A Case for Spiritual Religion (and, I Wrote Another Book)

January 23, 2012 By Amy Julia Becker 6 Comments

A few months ago, I wrote a post called, “Why I’m Both Spiritual and Religious.” Due to a conversation with a reader in response to that post, I realized that I had a lot more to say on the topic. And so I have written an ebook (30 pages), available for 99 cents on Amazon. It’s called Why I Am Both Spiritual and Religious (yes, that’s our own William screaming on the cover, though it is not me in the yoga pose). (And if you don’t have a Kindle, you can still purchase the book and download it onto your computer.)

I imagine many of you have already seen the You Tube video “I Hate Religion But Love Jesus.” I wrote this essay long before the video went viral (16 million views and counting), but in many ways this book offers my response. I argue, ”People want spirituality without religion because they’ve experienced religion without spirituality.” But instead of insisting that we choose one or the other, I make a case for Christianity as spiritual religion. I conclude with some suggestions for practicing religion and spirituality together.

Here are a few other writer’s thoughts about the book:

“Most of us, depending on our leanings, have an aversion to either “religion” or “spirituality.” Some of us cringe at both. Aware of this burden we bear, Becker ‘s reflections point readers toward the One in whom they can find life and . . . at last . . . rest.”

–Margot Starbuck, author of Small Things with Great Love

Why I Am Both Spiritual and Religious is a captivating read. In it, Amy Julia Becker teases out the reasons behind our culture’s weary disappointment in both religion and spirituality. She then describes what “spirit-filled religion” is like and details the gifts of true rest and purpose such practice yields.

- Jennifer Grant, author of Love You More and MOMumental.

So, buy the ebook, spread the word, and let me know what you think.

Filed Under: Faith, family Tagged With: , , , 6 Comments
  • Lauradow

    I am excited about the new ebook. I bought it and am able to read it on my MAC. I want to print it for my mom who is not able to read it electronically. But so far I am not able to…

  • Carlfrederickone

    Spirituality is an inside job. “There is simply no material solution to a spiritual problem.” My 99-cent book, channeled directly from your Mother (the Earth) shows us how to acquire a spiritual life with no dogma and no religion attached, unless one opts for adding them…
    http://www.carlfrederick.org title “What To Do When the earth Splits In Two.”

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Katherine-Harms/602268732 Katherine Harms

    You are right on target in this post, and I haven’t even read your book yet. I think people feel quite superior when they say that they are spiritual but not religious. Everything else they say tells me that they don’t like being accountable to a God who is superior to their own feelings. They prefer a little mysticism and incense. As a Christian, my faith practices are both religious and spiritual, and by the way, my Christianity is my way of life. That’s another way people pretend to be superior to Christianity or any other religion. My faith is very much shaped by the history and traditions of my religion, but I grow in faith through spiritual practices, and the biggest evidence of my faith is my way of life. It’s a lot different than it used to be. I can’t wait to read your book.

  • Hectuba

    While I really like the topic and find it thought provoking, one does not have to be Christian to be both religious and spiritual. For instance, I was an Orthodox Jew for a decade but found it was not truly what I was seeking, but was a very spiritual person while being Jewish. I am presently Wiccan, am a High Priestess and a Reverend. I have also found things within Wicca that fulfills me where Judaism did not. I am also a very spiritual person as a Wiccan as well. Frankly I know of no other way to be.

    • Hectuba

      I just want to elaborate. I am not trying to knock Chritianity, it is a perfectly fine religion. I am only saying that it isn’t for everyone.

      • http://www.patheos.com/community/thinplaces/ Amy Julia Becker

        Hectuba–thanks for your comment. One of the points I make in the ebook is that while I assume it is possible to be both spiritual and religious without being a Christian, my perspective is that of a Christian. I am spiritual and religious because I am a Christian. I also believe that Christianity makes the most sense of the world as it is and offers the best news for all of us.