An Internal Criticism of the Religion-Spirituality Contrast in the Theory of the Spirituality-Rationality Nexus

The divergence or contrast between religion and spirituality is a consequence of the theory of rationality-spirituality nexus. In this approach, the theorizer has taken spirituality to be inconsistent with fundamental doctrines of the religion in three of its main features. He takes eschatologism, a heavy metaphysics, and followership to be the three main features of the religion which diverge from the three main and inevitable features of spirituality, that is, secularism, a light metaphysics, and authentic life of a spiritual person. He believes that the divergence of the main components of religion and spirituality leads to the divergence of religion and spirituality themselves. He takes spirituality to consist in beliefs leading to one’s peace and the alleviation of one’s pains. By rationality which is connected to spirituality, he means instrumental rationality. In alleged cases of inconsistency between religion and spirituality, there are problems with respect to foundations of, and concepts employed in, the theory, as there are problems with the internal structure of the theory as well as other claims of the theorist. The spirituality in this theory can lead to eschatologism and a heavy metaphysics, and religious beliefs can, in terms of this theory, enjoy rationality. Therefore, the alleged divergence between the religion and spirituality can be resolved.