religion vs spirituality

I think of myself as a spiritual person.  I do not consider myself a religious person.

These 2 statements seem to contradict one another, but why?  There seems to be a link between spirituality and religion, and although I understand where this point comes from, perhaps there is less in common then one is told to believe.  While I respect and recommend the teachings of the Judeo-Christian, alongside the Eastern philosophical teachings of Buddhism, Taoism and many less known ideologies, in no way do I support an organized religious sect.  There is a powerful difference between the values religious sects are supposed to impose, and the actual organization itself.  This is where the idea of spiritual vs. religion becomes vague.  Many (especially in North American) believe that to find spirituality, once must become part of a church and this is something I do not agree with, nor something I recommend.  Spirituality comes from within oneself, as well as their perception of the heavens (cosmos, afterlife, what have you).  By flocking to organized religious centers such as churches, one is under the false impression that spirituality cannot be found on one's own. That pisses me off.  Organized religious centers usually will ask for donations, or be funded by the government, in some way they come into contact with funding, however spirituality can be found without any religious center, and without any funding, so why not spend this money on more important things? Such as scientific advancement? space exploration? Impregnation of Earth with more trees.. anything really.   I think the idea that has overpowered Northern American is that without attending church, one cannot be spiritual.  We need to change our views on this, find spirituality ourselves, and spend money on more important things that can and will help humanity.

I have a tendency to view things with a communistic lens, capitalism clearly isn't working, but I'll keep this for a separate article.

Thoughts?