‘Religion without Ritual: The Autonomous Path to Spiritual Growth and Realization’ is a short article on the importance of autonomy in the process of true ‘religio,’ the inner quest for truth that is independent of any organized form of religion. <br> <br>The short essays inquires into the subject by finding pairs of opposites in order to situate this quest outside of the conventional religious orders, sects, churches and organizations: <br>—Religion as Ritual <br>—Religion as Authority <br>—Religion as Autonomy <br>—Religion as Personal Growth <br> <br>In truth, the inner quest for ‘religio’ and thus for connectedness with the inner guide or higher self, is based on autonomy rather than authority and it serves personal growth instead of providing the world with empty rituals.