In a world yearning for meaning and inner peace, the pursuit of spirituality has become more widespread than ever. Social media teems with affirmations, motivational quotes, and wellness gurus promising a path to serenity. Yet, amidst this spiritual renaissance, a crucial distinction must be made: the difference between genuine spirituality and what might be termed “pretend spirituality.”
Pretend spirituality, often cloaked in an aura of positivity and self-love, is essentially a sophisticated form of self-delusion. It’s a carefully curated inner world designed to make individuals feel good about themselves, regardless of their actions or the inconvenient truths of reality. This spiritual bypass offers a comforting balm, an emotional shield against the discomfort of self-examination and the messiness of the real world. Its primary goal is not transformation, but validation – affirming one’s current state as “spiritual” without demanding any meaningful internal or external progress.
Genuine spirituality, in stark contrast, is not about feeling good all the time. It’s a profound, often uncomfortable, journey that demands rigorous self-examination and an unflinching honesty about our actions, our beliefs, and our contributions to the world around us. It challenges us to look beyond superficial comforts, to dismantle ingrained biases, and to confront the shadows within ourselves and society. It understands that true growth often springs from discomfort, from the friction of facing hard truths.
The stark divergence between these two paths becomes glaringly evident when practitioners of pretend spirituality encounter teachings that require actual change – particularly those that strike at the root of habituated beliefs and convenient practices. These are the moments when the cozy illusion begins to fray.
Imagine a spiritual teaching that advocates for a cruelty-free diet, compelling one to reconsider their consumption habits. Or a message emphasising radical honesty, forcing a re-evaluation of subtle deceptions. Envision spiritual leaders who speak out against insidious racism, pervasive sexism, or who dare to challenge corrupt political figures, unethical religious groups, dodgy business practices, or even systemic issues like unethical policing and corrupt government.
For those immersed in pretend spirituality, such teachings are not invitations to growth, but rather intrusions threatening their carefully constructed comfort zone. The response is predictable, and often follows a distinct pattern:
Disengagement and Avoidance: The initial reaction is often to simply stop engaging with the challenging source. The podcast is unsubscribed, the book is closed, the workshop is skipped. The wellspring of potential growth is consciously cut off because it no longer provides the desired “feel-good” affirmation. Future encounters with such uncomfortable truths are actively avoided.
Branding as “Extreme”: In more extreme cases, the source of the uncomfortable teachings is not merely avoided but actively delegitimised. Those who advocate for radical compassion (like cruelty-free living), unyielding honesty, or who courageously challenge deeply entrenched societal ills are branded as “extreme.” This labelling serves as a convenient defence mechanism, allowing the individual to dismiss the message without having to grapple with its implications. By painting the messenger as outside the bounds of “acceptable” spirituality, the recipient of the message can comfortably remain within their stagnant comfort zone, their self-delusion intact.
This phenomenon is the spiritual equivalent of wanting to get fit but avoiding any exercise that makes you sweat. It’s a desire for the results of spiritual growth – peace, happiness, meaning – without the effort required to achieve them. It prioritises emotional safety over genuine transformation, a superficial sense of enlightenment over deep, meaningful progress.
Ultimately, the choice lies with each individual. Do we seek a spirituality that merely strokes our ego and confirms our current biases, offering a temporary escape from the world’s complexities? Or do we embrace a spirituality that challenges us to grow, to act with integrity, to confront injustice, and to truly embody the principles we claim to hold dear? True spiritual growth is rarely a smooth, perpetually pleasant journey. It is a path of courageous introspection, uncomfortable revelations, and the profound, sometimes painful, process of becoming truly, authentically ourselves – and in doing so, becoming a more compassionate and impactful force in the world.
Worldwide Temple of Aurora 