Spirit

Religion versus Spirituality

A simple definition of religion is a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices (Meriam Webster, 2023). There are more complex attempts to define this concept however, including William James’ 1902 definition:

“the feelings, acts, and experiences of individual men in their solitude, so far as they apprehend themselves to stand in relation to whatever they may consider the divine”. Religion may be considered a system of symbols which acts to establish powerful, persuasive, and long-lasting moods and motivations by formulating conceptions of a general order of existence and clothing these conceptions with such an aura of factuality that the moods and motivations seem uniquely realistic (Geertz, 2013).

Spirituality is comprised of a diverse spectrum of religious and non-religious expressions. It is a highly subjective and individualized idea that differs from person to person. While some find spirituality through institutionalized religion, others look for it personally and outside of formal organizations. It can manifest in a variety of ways, including routines like mindfulness, meditation, and being outside in nature, as well as endeavours such as volunteering or engaging in creative activities. (Canda et al., 2020). The practice of spirituality has also been associated with the ability to love, to feel charitable towards and care for others, to feel a sense of purpose, to enjoy inner peace, and to meditate as well as having a deep appreciation for life’s meaning and purpose (Adams & Csiernik, 2001; 2003).

Religion and spirituality are often used interchangeably but they have distinct differences in their meanings and practices. Religion is a specific set of organized beliefs and practices shared by a community or group. These beliefs are often centered around a deity or higher power and typically involve specific rituals, traditions, and codes of conduct. Alternatively, spirituality is more of an individual practice that involves developing a personal connection to the divine or the transcendent. While religion often involves organized practices and group membership, spirituality is more about individual exploration and self-discovery. It is a process of developing beliefs around the meaning of life, personal values, and the interconnectedness of all things. Individuals may develop their own spiritual practices and beliefs that are not necessarily tied to any particular religion or belief system (Figure 1). Dr. Laura Beres, (2017) of King’s University School of Social Work discusses how religion and spirituality are two ways humans seek meaning and purpose in their lives, often through beliefs and practices. However, individuals vary in their level of engagement with religion or spirituality. Some may not identify with either but still search for meaning and purpose in life.

https://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2011/dn-nd/D2-147-2008-eng.pdf

Demographics

Canada is a multicultural nation and many Canadians consider diversity to be a core component of what it means to be a Canadian. Statistics Canada has engaged in considerable research to improve the collection and assessment of ethnocultural and religious representation. It is subsequently more possible than ever before to access detailed information about the socio-cultural and religious aspects of Canadian society.

Since 1871, the Canadian census has recorded religion as a demographic variable. The 2021 Canadian Census identifies a wide range of ethnic and cultural backgrounds, countries of origin, religions, and languages. Thirty-nine distinct religions are reported to be practiced by Canadians.

The data on religious and ethnic diversity helps to shape our understanding of Canadian identity and can serve to support social cohesion and inclusivity. The following infographic provides a snapshot of religious affiliation based on age and gender.

https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/11-627-m/11-627-m2021079-eng.htm

The five most practiced religions in Canada as of the 2021 census were:

1. Christianity

Christianity is the most practiced religion in Canada. It is divided into different denominations including Catholic, Protestant, Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, and Pentecostal, each of which may adhere to a different set of principles and customs. Most Christians agree on the fundamental principles of the divinity of Jesus Christ, the necessity of the Bible, and belief in the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). Christian denominations vary however in their interpretation and emphasis placed on particular beliefs. For example, there is variance across denominations in practices related to holy sacraments: Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, the Eucharist), Healing (Penance and the Anointing of the Sick), and Service of Communion (Marriage and Holy Orders).

Catholicism: The authority of the Pope, who is regarded as the spiritual head of the church, is strongly emphasized in Catholicism. Additionally, the Catholic Church adheres to the sacramental theory of salvation, which holds that specific rites including baptism and communion are essential to attaining salvation.

Protestantism: Protestantism places more emphasis on the Bible's authority than the hierarchy of the church. Additionally, this interpretation of Christianity emphasizes that salvation comes from faith alone, not from deeds of righteousness or participation in the sacraments. Protestantism is renowned for putting an emphasis on each person's interpretation of the Bible and the idea that all Christians are priests.

Anglicanism is viewed as an interpretation of Christianity falling between that of Catholicism and Protestantism. In interpreting faith, it highlights the value of scripture, tradition, and reason. The sacraments, notably baptism and communion, are also important rites followed by the Anglican Church.

Pentecostalism: The function of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life is strongly emphasized in this movement. It places a strong emphasis on the value of spiritual abilities like speaking in tongues and healing, as well as the conviction that prayer has the ability to bring about miraculous healing. The emphasis on emotional worship experiences is another characteristic of Pentecostalism.

Eastern Orthodoxy emphasizes the significance of tradition in the interpretation of the Bible. The Eucharist, which is thought to be the real body and blood of Christ, is particularly important to adherents to this faith which also emphasizes the significance of the sacraments.

2. Islam (Muslim)

Islam is the second most commonly practiced religion in Canada, with approximately 1.8 million adherents, representing about 1 in 20 Canadians. The Muslim population has more than doubled over the past two decades, with the percentage of Muslims rising from 2.0% in 2001 to 4.9% in 2021. This significant growth reflects the increasing presence of the Muslim community in Canada. "Canadian census: A rich portrait of the country's religious and ethnocultural diversity," 2022)

Muslims hold that Muhammad is the last prophet of the one God, Allah.  Their holy book, the Quran, contains guidelines for morality, worship, and interpersonal conduct. Muslims also follow the Sunnah (Muhammad's way of living) and Hadith (his words and deeds). The five pillars of Islam are the shahada (proclamation of faith), salah (prayer), zakat (charity), sawm (fasting during Ramadan), and hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca). There are two distinct groups within the Muslim community, Sunnis who focus on following the Prophet's example whereas Shi'a focus on the lineage of Muhammad's family through a series of Imams.

Hindu

Hinduism is a significant international religion with roots in the Indian subcontinent. Various beliefs and practices are founded on literature like the Bhagavad Gita in this religion. Hindus observe holidays including Diwali (Festival of Lights representing the spiritual victory of light over darkness) and Holi (Festival of Colours, Love and Spring). Hindus worship deities including Brahma (associated with creation legends), Vishnu, and Shiva.

Sikh

The monotheistic religion of Sikhism was born in Punjab in the fifteenth century. Sikhs adhere to the teachings of the 10 Gurus, who are revered as divine messengers. The sacred text of Sikhism, the Guru Granth Sahib, includes hymns, poetry, and teachings from the Gurus and other theorists. Sikhs emphasize selfless service and good living based on the ideas of karma and reincarnation. They hold that there is only one God. Uncut hair, a wooden comb, a steel bracelet, cotton trousers and a sword or dagger are among the Five Ks, which are significant markers of Sikh identity.

No Religious Affiliation

More than one-third of Canadians indicated that they had neither a religious connection nor a secular perspective. Secular views are independent from religion and focus on worldly matters (material and temporal) rather than divine intervention. This group has increased significantly over the last 20 years, from 16.5% in 2001 to 34.6% in 2021.

Recent immigrants to Canada have reported lower percentages of atheism; therefore, the reduction in identifying a religion or secular view cannot be accounted for due to immigration. Instead, it is more likely that the large effect is the result of those who previously indicated a religious affiliation and now report having none. Furthermore, there are now many more children born in Canada who do not identify with any particular religion. The loss of religious identification is consistent with research that has indicated a reduction in the significance of religious or spiritual beliefs among Canadians. (Canadian census: A rich portrait of the country's religious and ethnocultural diversity, 2022)

Disclaimer: We recognize and respect that not all individuals have religious beliefs or spirituality. We also acknowledge that there are numerous religious practices and beliefs around the world, with 39 recognized religions in Canada alone. The information on this site provides a general overview of the top 5 religions in Canada and is not meant to exclude or diminish the importance of other religious practices or beliefs.

Spirituality

Spirituality involves exploring universal themes like love, compassion, altruism, life after death, wisdom, and truth. It emphasizes an internal shift of awareness towards one's soul or inner divinity rather than focusing on external practices or figures. Spirituality emphasizes developing a deep understanding of oneself and establishing a connection with the higher self. Spiritual domains provide connection, strengthen spiritual health, and support human performance through practices, resilience, ethics, values, beliefs, meaning, purpose, and belonging. Research confirms that pathways connected to others and oneself through meaning, purpose, and joy positively impact mental health (Michaelson et al., 2021).

Canda et al (2020) suggest spirituality is a process of human development consisting of four domains:

  • the search for a sense of meaning, purpose, morality, and well-being;
  • creating a relationship with oneself, other people, other beings, the universe, and ultimate reality however understood (e.g., in animistic, atheistic, nontheistic, polytheistic, theistic, ways or other ways);
  • orienting around centrally significant priorities; and/or
  • engaging a sense of transcendence (experiences that are deeply profound, sacred, or transpersonal).

Strategies employed to enhance spiritual wellness:

  • Breathwork
  • Meditation or quiet time
  • Prayer
  • Service to community
  • Spending time in nature
  • Spiritual retreats
  • Yoga

Characteristics of Spirituality 

Canda’s position is that there are 12 widely mentioned characteristics of spirituality that can be summarized according to contemporary thinking in the field of religious studies.

  1. Inherent value of a person is linked to spirituality and core nature.
  2. People naturally seek meaning in life.
  3. Development involves finding wholeness and connection within oneself and with others.
  4. Beliefs, values, practices, and connections contribute to development.
  5. Transpersonal consciousness goes beyond personal experience.
  6. Deep, transcendent experiences include out-of-body experiences and connection with the divine.
  7. Spiritual support groups provide community and assistance.
  8. Attitudes and practices like ritual, prayer, or meditation foster spiritual development.
  9. Spirituality considers what is ultimate, sacred, or transcendent.
  10. Virtues like compassion, love, justice, forgiveness, and humility develop through spirituality.
  11. Spiritual development leads to well-being traits like resilience, joy, peace, and life purpose.
  12. Spirituality emphasizes holistic integration and connectivity in a person's being.
Five Ways to Find a Sense of Spirituality Without Religion

Spirituality allows us to connect with a greater realm of existence beyond our personal identities. It involves giving, receiving, learning, and living with empathy for us and others.

  1. Start your day by dedicating ten minutes to stillness and connecting with something greater through activities like yoga, meditation, reading, or spending time outdoors.
  2. Serving others in simple ways and practicing random acts of kindness can combat disconnection and foster contentment.
  3. Spiritual growth focuses on inner change, not outward actions, and accepting this truth opens the heart to positive transformation.
  4. Reflect on what spirituality means to you without the confines of religion.
  5. Seek knowledge through seminars, workshops, books, videos, and role models, but always stay true to yourself.

Spiritual success lies in understanding the interconnectedness of everything and finding inner calm. Disconnect from daily busyness to observe and appreciate the world around you.

Indigenous

Out of respect for Indigenous Knowledge and practices, we encourage individuals to seek information directly from Indigenous communities and trusted sources dedicated to preserving, documenting, and sharing Indigenous cultures, histories, languages, and practices. The Wampum Learning Lodge at Western University is a recommended resource:

https://wampumlearninglodge.uwo.ca/index.html

Resources Available to Students

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