Faith: Spirituality vs. Religion

Is there a difference between religion and spirituality? Most people, as well as the dictionary give different explanations.  Religion is described as a system of beliefs, values and practices of worship.  Spirituality is often described as having a personal (spirit) relationship with God, having the nature of spirit and soul.

The Qur'an simply states "and they have been commanded no more than this: to worship Allah (Arabic for God); offering Him sincere devotion, being true in faith, to establish regular prayer, and to practice regular charity; and that is religion right and straight".  Surah 98:5
Whether you call Him Jah, Allah, Jesus, Jehovah or Yahweh, Tom,  Derek and Harry .... He will answer.  The Bible tells us not to get caught up in religion but to develop your won personal relationship with God.
II Corinthians 3:6 "Who also hath made us able ministers of the New Testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit; for the letter (law, religion) killeth, but the spirit giveth life".
Follow your heart and conscience, some believe that is your spirit communicating with God. So yes, I believe there is a difference between religion and spirituality.  The first is man-made and the other is God-given.  Me personally am of no religion, I believe in prayer, my own relationship with God, my background was raised Christian Baptist yet as an adult I studied Buddhism, and Islam.  I have read the Bible and Qur'an twice, the Torah, Jehovah and Catholic books.  I've done research on theology and  I encourage you to establish your own relationship with a higher power regardless of religious affiliation.

Peace, Love and Strength
T. Davis