If religion is more concerned with rules, policies, and codes than spirituality, your self-esteem may actually suffer because of these guidelines. If you are involved in an organized religion, your self-esteem may suffer because of the feeling that you do not really fit in or believe every tenet of that religion. You may begin to have self-doubts because you actually disagree with some of that religion's teachings. This can cause damage to your self-esteem.

Your self-esteem may suffer because you do not believe every code or policy practiced by that religion and you begin to feel guilty. If you are involved with a formal religion and you do not attend every service, you may begin to feel pressure and more guilt, even if it is self-imposed.

Conversely, spirituality is about caring for yourself, understanding yourself, examining your gifts and strengths, and looking inside yourself for peace and understanding. Spirituality is concerned with self-determination and being able to face problems without going to pieces. It is about learning to solve problems and learning to come to conclusions that are positive for you, others, and the earth.

Spirituality helps you appreciate yourself and the space in which you live, breathe, and work. It helps you understand the ebb and flow of life and what part you play in the grand scheme of things.

These things serve to strengthen self-esteem, whereas a formal religion with its guidelines and policies may in some cases serve to damage your self-esteem.