Religion as capacity builder of spirituality

Very often religion and spiritual experience are considered synonymous and religion equated with spirituality.  However, there is a growing awareness that although the two are related they are distinct.  While sometime we reduce religion to something external and even as an impediment, it has its own value and place in the whole realm of spirituality and spiritual journey.  Religion can be very well viewed as a capacity for spiritual experience.  Came across that concept while reading something John Finnis said.

Religion is indeed the facilitator for a spiritual experience.  However, the danger is that religion is seen as the end of all there is.  But seen from this perspective as a provider of possibilities of spiritual experience, it takes on a very positive meaning.