What are the main differences between religion and spirituality?

Religion typically involves organized, structured systems of belief with established doctrines, rituals, sacred texts, and institutional communities. It often includes formal worship practices, clergy, and shared moral codes that members follow collectively. Religion tends to define specific beliefs about God or gods, afterlife, and humanity's purpose. Spirituality is generally more personal and individualized, focusing on an inner sense of connection to something greater than oneself without necessarily adhering to formal doctrine or community structures. A person can be spiritual without belonging to any religion, exploring meaning, purpose, and transcendence on their own terms. While religion and spirituality often overlap, the key distinction is that religion is communal and codified, whereas spirituality is subjective and self-directed.