Carnality vs Spirituality
Carnality and Spirituality have to be understood as two different terms between which one can identify a number of differences. First to get a basic understanding let us consider Carnality and Spirituality as two types of living. They both differ in respect of their connotation and method of living. Carnality pertains to the desire for flesh and physical relationship. On the other hand, spirituality pertains to the desire for the attainment of liberation. According to most religions, carnality is considered a sin, unlike spirituality that admired in individuals. These are some of the main differences between carnality and spirituality. This article attempts to engage in a comparison between the two terms while providing an understanding of each term.
What is Carnality?
Let us begin with carnality. As mentioned above in the introduction, this pertains to the desire for flesh and physical relationship. It is believed that carnality leads to sin as it does not please the Gods. Desire for flesh and materialistic pleasures would lead to sin according to religious beliefs, Carnal pleasures are associated with the pleasures related to the female body. It is the pleasure one derives in sex. There is a belief among certain followers of carnality that carnality is also a way to reach God. They belong to the category of the nudists and sex-mongers that see the existence of God in physical relationships. One of the basic principles of carnality is the trust towards the visible. It also makes demands, unlike spirituality that usually takes commands. Also, Carnality needs alternatives whereas spirituality heeds ultimatum. The Greek word for carnal is ‘sarkinos’ and it means ‘pertaining to the flesh or made of flesh’. Hence, it is described that a carnal man or an individual is controlled or dominated by the flesh or his base appetites. This presents a clear image of Carnality. Now let us focus on Spirituality.
What is Spirituality?
Spirituality is very much different from Carnality. This is because it goes beyond the physical to a higher level. Spirituality leads to heaven or a state of spiritual attainment from which you would not return again to this mortal world. In the society, people can be put into two categories, namely the carnal and the spiritual. While the carnal would aspire for sexual living, the spiritual individual would not aspire for sexual living. Spirituality survives on exactness, unlike Carnality, which survives on excitement. Spirituality is principle oriented and is more concerned with the service of the God and the humanity. This is because of the fact that according to great saints’ service to humanity is service to God. Hence if you serve humanity, it is equal to serving the Almighty. This is the goal of spirituality. The basic principle of spirituality trusts the invisible God. Another significant difference is that while the followers of carnality live by fearing the followers of spirituality live by hearing.
What is the Difference Between Carnality and Spirituality?
- Carnality pertains to the desire for flesh and physical relationship whereas spirituality pertain to the desire for the attainment of liberation.
- Desire for flesh and materialistic pleasures would lead to sin according to several religions, but spirituality leads to heaven or a state of spiritual attainment from which you would not return again to this mortal world.
- Carnality is the trust towards the visible whereas trusting the invisible God is the basic principle of spirituality.
- Carnality needs alternatives, but spirituality heeds ultimatum.
- Spirituality survives on exactness whereas Carnality survives on excitement.
- Followers of carnality live by fearing whereas the followers of spirituality live by hearing.
- A carnal man or an individual is controlled or dominated by the flesh or his base appetites. On the other hand, a spiritual man is dominated by the sense of oneness with the God and he seeks pleasure in the service of God and humanity.
Image Courtesy:
1.”Sandro Botticelli – La nascita di Venere by Sandro Botticelli [Public Domain], via Wikimedia Commons
2.The Triumph of Religion and Spirituality by Pietro da Cortona [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons