I always wonder what it means to be spiritual or religious. I just started on the path. I would like to hear your thoughts. Thanks.

I would say someone who is spiritual is practicing compassion. For someone who is religious is following doctrine.

 From my opinion, I can tell you being spiritual is a lot better than being religious. I can learn from many different wisdom traditions, teachers, and a wide range of cultures. My perspective on life is more wider and broader. It is just like a buffet, I can eat Chinese, American, Italian, Mexican and etc. You can tell, my experience is more expansive. The problem with religion, it's my way or the highway, that's very rigid.  Of course, the choice is up to you. =)

Thanks.

Hey, some tips for you.

Those who following religion doesn't necessary practice what they preach. They say they follow their beliefs, but you see their actions are quite the opposite like having intolerance, being judgemental and hating others. Teaching you fear and guilt. "You will know them by their fruits".

Too bad, I learned the hard way. I use to study the Bible, but the people in church turned me off.  If you study the basics of Jesus teachings, you know he wanted people to love each other. "Love thy Neighbor as yourself". It's sad most Christians don't take this to heart. That is why I stayed away from religion, and later become more spiritual.  It's more freedom. 

 Religion does serve a purpose, but it depends on the person's level of understanding and how the person is using it. If he or she is using for progress, than go for it.  

 If the person using religion is not more kinder, compassionate, wiser and understanding, then it is fruitless. I agree with DFox, this depends on the person's understanding, not everyone is the same. It's doesn't matter how well-versed in biblical understanding, that's my opinion.

 Thank you for answering my question.  I learned a lot. I can say that it doesn't matter what tools you use like religion or not, but the fruit we bear, that counts. 

I hope I can bare good fruits for humanity.