The other day, I was reflecting on being Christian vs spiritual. These days, it can be challenging to determine who identifies as a Christian and who is merely adapting Christian philosophies from a million different religions.
At the Grammys, everyone thanks “God.” But does that mean they are Christians?
Everyone wears crosses, but does that mean they are Christian?
Years ago, I chatted with a coworker and steered the conversation toward Jesus. With a big smile, she exclaimed, “I love Jesus!” Excitement filled my heart because I knew right then that she and I would be good friends! However, her following remark was a clear distinction between being Christian vs spiritual.
Then, she replied something like, “I love Buddha,” and named some other pagan faiths.
If you talk to someone, you can usually tell where they are in their faith and who they are in their faith by their relationship with Jesus.
This is what genuinely makes us Christians – our relationship with Jesus.
Table of Contents
What does it mean to be a Christian?
Simply put, a Christian is someone who earnestly strives to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ.
This means they accepted Him as their Lord and Savior and understood He died for all the sins of the world. They affirm that He was raised on the third day in bodily form and that He is God who became a man to save the world.
Going to church helps Christians find strength and support. They regularly fellowship with a nurturing community of believers—not perfect people, but believers.
Christians immerse themselves in Bible reading, worship, and prayer to enrich their Christian journey, especially during challenging times.
Let me shift my voice here because I am a Christian.
I aspire to embody the characteristics of Christ, which include forgiveness, humility, and service to others.
In doing so, I am acting in Jesus Christ’s name by the power of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is the part of the Lord that He left here on earth for His children.
“And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever—” John 14:16 AMP
These are some elements of being a Christian.
Now, let’s talk about spiritual people and the difference between being Christian vs Spiritual.
How I understand Spirituality
Being spiritual but not Christian generally means seeking a sense of meaning, purpose, or connection to a higher power. This perspective does not adhere to scripture at all.
Read 2 Timothy 3:5 below:
“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”
Back to what it means to be spiritual.
In my experience, many who identify this way focus on some sort of personal enlightenment, self-discovery, and inner peace, which cannot be found without Jesus because He is peace.
“My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful” John 14:27
Spiritual people want to do things their own way, in my experience with them.
They don’t want to follow a specific religious doctrine.
They commonly use anti-Christian practices like meditation and energy healing, believing that spirituality is about tuning into the universe, nature, or one’s higher self.
Stars and astrology may guide their lives and actions.
Further, they often believe the “universe” makes things happen.
It can’t help you any more than a rock in your backyard can make things happen for you.
God created all those things. So, why not turn to Him? He loves you so much. I’ll get to that later.
While spiritual people may acknowledge “God” or a divine presence, they often reject organized religion, preferring a more individualized and fluid approach to faith.
This means there is no “sin,” so they can engage in any behaviors “they” see as correct.
No accountability. There is no guide for accuracy.
Again, they want to do things their own way and how they want to do it.
The funny thing is, at the end of it, they often feel there has to be more to life.
The “more” they seek is Jesus, but they do not know it.
Christianity is different.
In contrast, Christianity is centered on faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, salvation through His sacrifice, and a personal relationship with Him.
The historical accuracy of the Bible is supported by extensive research.
Did you know there are archaeological discoveries and manuscript evidence of the Bible’s accuracy?
Archaeological and Historical Evidence
Josh McDowell, a renowned Christian apologist, has extensively documented the reliability of the Bible in his works, particularly in Evidence That Demands a Verdict (1999). I have given out copies of this book over the years because it is so well-researched and written.
In the book, Josh McDowell highlights how historical and archaeological findings consistently affirm biblical narratives. They demonstrate that the events, locations, and people described in Scripture are not mythological but based on real history.
One of the strongest pieces of evidence is the manuscript’s reliability of the Bible.
Check this out!
It has over 5,800 Greek New Testament manuscripts and over 25,000 total manuscripts in various languages, making it the most well-documented ancient text in existence (McDowell, The New Evidence That Demands a Verdict, 1999).
Additionally, McDowell highlights the archaeological proof of biblical figures and events.
Findings like the Pontius Pilate Inscription (found in Caesarea in 1961), the Dead Sea Scrolls (which confirm the accuracy of Old Testament texts) (Wise, Abegg & Cook, The Dead Sea Scrolls: A New Translation, 2005, p. 14), and the House of David inscription on the Tel Dan Stele (discovered in 1993) all support the historical truth of Scripture (Biblical Archaeology Review, 1994, p. 26).
McDowell also references the works of secular historians such as Flavius Josephus and Tacitus, who documented the existence of Jesus and early Christian movements outside of the Bible (Antiquities of the Jews, Book 18; Annals, 15.44).
Moreover, the Bible’s prophetic accuracy includes over 300 Old Testament prophecies fulfilled in Jesus Christ! Think about the probability of that without divine Holy Spirit influence!!!
Further, it reinforces its divine inspiration and historical reliability.
McDowell’s research, combined with manuscript evidence and archaeology, strongly supports the conclusion that the Bible is not only a religious text but also a historically verifiable document, proving its correctness from a scholarly perspective.
Sorry if I geeked out, but I grew up watching Josh McDowell on TBN.
Back to the concept of discussing being Christian vs spiritual.
Christianity promotes spiritual growth based on solid Bible truths rather than personal interpretations.
Those who are spiritual but not Christian may appreciate some Christian values, such as love and kindness, but they do not accept foundational beliefs like sin, repentance, or Jesus as the only way to God (John 14:6 – see below).
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:16
This distinction creates a key difference between a general spiritual journey and a faith that is Biblically grounded in Christ.
Christian vs Spiritual – where do you land?
But if it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served, which were beyond the EuphratesRiver, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15
The choice is yours.
I hope I’ve helped you understand what being Christian vs spiritual means.
But the most important thing is not the differences. The critical element of being Christian vs spiritual is what you choose.
Make no mistake about it: God is real, and He has a standard.
You can choose not to believe in God, but that does not change the fact that He exists.
In fact, you could choose not to believe in gravity, but the minute you decide to jump from 300 feet, you will soon learn. Gravity exists.
Here are two compelling reasons you should consider embracing Christianity over a more general spiritual approach.
First, Christianity offers a clear framework of beliefs and teachings that provide guidance on how to live a meaningful life. The scriptures are alive and powerful.
They transform you into the image of Christ! I can’t explain it any more than I can explain the cure for the common cold – which does not exist.
This happens over time, but it happens as you devote time to learning His Words and applying them.
Christianity fits you into a huge heavenly puzzle in which you have a place to fit.
Jesus becomes your closest ally and walks through this life with you by His Holy Spirit.
You’re never alone. He loves you so much and speaks to you in so many ways. He brings people to you and gives you a joy and peace you can’t even understand.
If you weigh being Christian vs spiritual, you’ll have to consider the fact you’re aligning with an infallible, reliable heavenly Father.
Jesus will give you the strength to love even the most difficult people, and it will shock you when you do! But you’ll soon learn it is the power of the Holy Spirit!
Best part: you get a family when you’re a Christian!
Secondly, being part of a solid Christian is a huge benefit of being Christian vs. spiritual.
In God’s system, He’s created a community of imperfect people living life as they grow closer to Him.
Regardless of what you may have heard, the church is not a social group.
It’s a hospital. It is the place to go for regular spiritual B12 vitamin IV drips.
Being a Christian and skipping church is like ordering a pizza and just admiring the box—great potential, but you’re really missing out on the good stuff inside!
And don’t worry about the church having hypocrites. One more won’t hurt, so join the crowd!
Seriously, the church is not full of perfect people; it’s full of people who are being perfected by the power of Jesus Christ.
This is why you must keep your eyes and focus on Him and not esteem any person or people to be your idol.
They will carry you through!
And, oh boy, there is nothing like a good church family when times get rough. Hard times will come. But God will be with you.
The NIV translates John 16:33 as:
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
In a good church – one that you’ve become actively involved in – the members will support you, love you, and help you.
This community aspect strengthens your personal faith.
You can learn a lot from your fellow Christians.
I think this approach should improve your Christian journey, help you connect with God, and build lasting relationships.
My final word on being Christian vs Spiritual
Being spiritual is a cheap copy of being a Christian. It’s like one of those fake backs you can buy on the side of the street. It may be cute, but it will fall apart before you know it.
It defines a type of spirituality without the benefits of being truly connected to the Lord.
While it may seem fine, it invites all sorts of darkness from the great imitator.
The enemy of your soul is at the root of being spiritual.
Jesus Christ is your protection and your covering when you are a Christian.
The blood of Jesus protects you just as it did the children of Israel when they put it over their doorways.
Let me tell you the truth. Following an invisible knockoff of Christianity will never give you lasting peace. You will never feel the presence of God. Although you may feel a “presence,” trust me, it is one that is going to destroy you.
“for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” 2 Corinthians 11:14
Now, for my summary on being Christian vs spiritual
I hope I have touched on some of the differences between being Christian and spiritual.
True Christianity is about having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and following Biblical teachings.
Spiritualists might seek personal enlightenment and avoid organized religion, but they miss out on the peace and purpose that come from Christ.
He is our foundation.
Living in a house without a foundation is like trying to host a dinner party on a roller coaster; you’re bound to serve a side of chaos and a whole lot of craziness as your main course.
Trying to find peace without Jesus is quite futile. This is one of the key distinctions of being a Christian vs spiritual.
Then, there is our church dynamic!
Again, no church is perfect because it is comprised of imperfect people.
But in our Christian community, the Holy Spirit is always moving. He is always working.
It’s all about the structure God gives us for guidance and the life-changing power of the Holy Spirit.
God is a God of intentionality.
After all, He organized all of nature and the expanse of the universe (which is not to be worshiped or prayed to).
He also organized our intimacy with Him and gave us supporting structures to ensure that we have everything we need as Christians.
Just being spiritual doesn’t offer the same deep connection to God that Christians get to experience.
It will leave you empty and wanting more. Again, the “more” is Jesus.
Your faith-walk is not Burger King. You cannot have it your way.
My Sources and then some:
- McDowell, Josh. The New Evidence That Demands a Verdict. Thomas Nelson, 1999.
- Finegan, Jack. The Archaeology of the New Testament: The Life of Jesus and the Beginning of the Early Church. Princeton University Press, 1992.
- Wise, Michael O., Martin G. Abegg Jr., and Edward M. Cook. The Dead Sea Scrolls: A New Translation. HarperOne, 2005.
- Josephus, Flavius. Antiquities of the Jews. Translated by William Whiston, 18.3.3.
- Tacitus, Cornelius. Annals, 15.44.
- Biblical Archaeology Review, 1994, pp. 26–30.
