that is one of my favourite songs, and i don't see what religion has to do with it. maybe if you choose to interpret it that way, but i certainly don't.
the concept of "the spirit carries on", to me, is that our human spirit, the impact and difference we make on others, etc, will linger on after we die. that is something definite and true, and the knowledge of it allows us to die at ease.
But if you consider the song in context with the rest of the album (Scenes from a Memory), you will find that it certainly is about spirituality.
The mood and atmosphere of the song comes through so strongly, even though it is only youtube and i'm sitting in my room.
i really really wish i was there.