Differentiating Between Religion and Supernatural Beliefs

Religion is an abstract idea that explains a supernatural phenomenon and sets a moral value within a culture. Supernatural beliefs are intangible beliefs that exist beyond the laws of nature and reason (Ruble). Though supernatural beliefs are often a part of religion, religion is different from belief in the supernatural because it is a social phenomenon. Believing in ghosts or mediums capable of seeing the other side is of the supernatural.

Many elements of religion are also considered supernatural. For instance, the Christian God is technically a supernatural omnipotent being. Additionally, many of the miraculous events in the Bible have no factual basis and can only be explained supernaturally. However, Christianity is more than just a collection of supernatural beliefs because of the way it has a universal message to all those who practice it. Some definitions of religion consider it to be an “organized human response to spiritual issues” (Simonds and Smith 331). The Bible attempts to act as a guide for the human experience and provide answers to the intangible world in a way that is relevant to humanity.

Another distinguishing feature between religion and supernatural beliefs are the way they are practiced. Religious worship is often defined by a particular religion or culture and has a historical basis, and supernatural or spiritual worship is more of an individual experience. Supernatural beliefs also lack the historical element of religion. For instance, what is known about God and Biblical/Historical Jesus comes from Biblical texts (Ruble). However, supernatural beliefs refer more to any phenomenon that current scientific theories are unable to explain (Simmonds and Smith 332).

Works Cited

Ruble, Leland W. "If There Were No Belief in the Supernatural, Would Belief in a God Still Exist?" wwwfreethoughtperspectivenet. N.p., 24 Mar. 2009. Web. 04 Nov. 2013. <http://freethoughtperspective.net/?p=1156.

Smith, Anne Finlayson and Janette Graetz Simmonds. "Help-seeking and Paranormal Beliefs in Adherents of Mainstream Religion, Alternative Religion, and No Religion." Counselling Psychology Quarterly 19.4 (2006): 331-41. Print.