atheist having a "spiritual experience"

[GrowingSmaller]

I think that a live well lived has its own spirituality. But the general concept of spiritual, its what Wittgensten would call a "family resemblance" phenomenon. Just like a family photo, there are similarities and differences, but no neat way to sum it all up.

Scientifically it might all be blamed of non-linear "self similarity" and fractals.

  ^
/ D \
____
o   o
 
  0

 

[GrowingSmaller]

 

[fat wee robin]

I had a religious epiphany. It relaly opened my eyes. Afterwards I was clinging to faith with my life, whereas I had been a h/c skeptic and nihilist.

I accept I dont know for sure that God was involved. It could be an illusion. I suppose than my primary reason - defined secularly -for continuing to believe is improved social and personal functioning.

I am sure enough that there will be bain based theology, cognitive theology etc, and altered mechanisms of perception for "faith based realities". What that "proves" though is as open to question as any other opinion about a transcendent God...

But, well, erm... more tea, logic and theology please:

Thankyou ,and in checking the post I corrected the belling etc .

I am glad for you ,as think now you are on the road to happiness,and yes it is Him.
I have studied beyond the bible ,and like you had doubts ,but no longer,not a one .

 

[fat wee robin]

I think that a live well lived has its own spirituality. But the general concept of spiritual, its what Wittgensten would call a "family resemblance" phenomenon. Just like a family photo, there are similarities and differences, but no neat way to sum it all up.

Scientifically it might all be blamed of non-linear "self similarity" and fractals.

  ^
/ D \
____
o   o

  0

I note that you are still deist ,and humanist , so a bit to go .
Most people read the 'bible' ,but it is only the words of Jesus which really count .
The evidence for God is enormous ,but unless you are ,inspired by those words
then you are not a christian .
If you can get hold of the interview of Einstein by George Sylvestor Viereck,complete ,it is the best .

 

[bhsmte]

I note that you are still deist ,and humanist , so a bit to go .
Most people read the 'bible' ,but it is only the words of Jesus which really count .
The evidence for God is enormous ,but unless you are ,inspired by those words
then you are not a christian .
If you can get hold of the interview of Einstein by George Sylvestor Viereck,complete ,it is the best .

Do you mean the Einstein who stated; belief in personal Gods was childish?

 

[Crowns&Laurels]

I've asked for forgiveness and had a deep warmth come over my shoulders and core. A giant burden had been lifted and it wasn't what I expected- it wasn't guilt, but baggage that spirited away from my mind and bones. That burden was convicting me, and I realized at that point what a spiritual experience is- it is unbounded security.

I think that atheists can have spiritual experiences through God's grace, as anyone can receive venial blessings. It doesn't have to be like what I experienced, but something as simple as an epiphany or when you learn an important life lesson.