Spirituality and atheism..

[MehGuy]

What are your thoughts on atheists being "spiritual" or attempting to be "spiritual"? On this sub-forum I have heard of talk about atheist pagans, and I'd like to learn more in an attempt to understand that framework.

From my own perspective I was once a theist who was hyper spiritual, and I find the loss of my theism to be greatly saddening and troubling. My own ideas of what spirituality is regarding a more natural/psychological understanding largely has to do with empathy, and from the math I cannot see how I as an atheist will ever come up with a type of atheist "spirituality" that wouldn't be a mere hand-me-down version of the excellent spirituality I had as a theist.

 

[HTacianas]

What are your thoughts on atheists being "spiritual" or attempting to be "spiritual"? On this sub-forum I have heard of talk about atheist pagans, and I'd like to learn more in an attempt to understand that framework.

From my own perspective I was once a theist who was hyper spiritual, and I find the loss of my theism to be greatly saddening and troubling. My own ideas of what spirituality is regarding a more natural/psychological understanding largely has to do with empathy, and from the math I cannot see how I as an atheist will ever come up with a type of atheist "spirituality" that wouldn't be a mere hand-me-down version of the excellent spirituality I had as a theist.

In every case where I've heard someone claim to be "spiritual" it has been in the context of being asked if they are religious. "I'm not religious but I'm very spiritual". No further explanation of spiritual is given. It seems the answer is given to avoid the stigma of identifying as an atheist.

 

[Not David]

What are your thoughts on atheists being "spiritual" or attempting to be "spiritual"? On this sub-forum I have heard of talk about atheist pagans, and I'd like to learn more in an attempt to understand that framework.

From my own perspective I was once a theist who was hyper spiritual, and I find the loss of my theism to be greatly saddening and troubling. My own ideas of what spirituality is regarding a more natural/psychological understanding largely has to do with empathy, and from the math I cannot see how I as an atheist will ever come up with a type of atheist "spirituality" that wouldn't be a mere hand-me-down version of the excellent spirituality I had as a theist.

It sounds phony like a necessity to have benefits from spiritualism without believing in it. Like those "atheist Christians" or "atheist Buddhists".

 

[MehGuy]

In every case where I've heard someone claim to be "spiritual" it has been in the context of being asked if they are religious. "I'm not religious but I'm very spiritual". No further explanation of spiritual is given. It seems the answer is given to avoid the stigma of identifying as an atheist.

That's a shame.. seems like it's mostly the older generations that give me back lash when I they find out I'm an atheist. Silly really, lol.

To me religion is more the structure and rules and spirituality is the emotional guts.

 

[MehGuy]

It sounds phony like a necessity to have benefits from spiritualism without believing in it. Like those "atheist Christians" or "atheist Buddhists".

Certainly feel phony. Still, I've managed to resurrect some powerful feelings I had as a Christian. Sadly it only last a little while, and it feels very strange and kind of icky.

 

[HTacianas]

That's a shame.. seems like it's mostly the older generations that give me back lash when I they find out I'm an atheist. Silly really, lol.

To me religion is more the structure and rules and spirituality is the emotional guts.

I view my own religion as an outlet for spirituality. To be spiritual I suppose you need a spirit. The Divine Liturgy is like a workout for the spirit.

 

[dzheremi]

"For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside?" basically sums it up.

On a social level I find the "spiritual but not religious" thing silly, but meh. A lot people who are Christians claim to dislike and/or not follow a "religion", either. Maybe these two types of people can be good friends and leave the rest of us alone.

 

[Not David]

"For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside?" basically sums it up.

On a social level I find the "spiritual but not religious" thing silly, but meh. A lot people who are Christians claim to dislike and/or not follow a "religion", either. Maybe these two types of people can be good friends and leave the rest of us alone.

I remember a thread of someone saying he was glad to not be part of a religion.

 

[MehGuy]

"For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside?" basically sums it up.

On a social level I find the "spiritual but not religious" thing silly, but meh. A lot people who are Christians claim to dislike and/or not follow a "religion", either. Maybe these two types of people can be good friends and leave the rest of us alone.

I don't think so, structure and ground rules are pretty important for spiritual output. Not sure how much I'd have to talk with a wishy washy Christian.

 

[MehGuy]

It sounds phony like a necessity to have benefits from spiritualism without believing in it. Like those "atheist Christians" or "atheist Buddhists".

From what I've heard of atheist Christians, they don't get anything spiritual out of it they just like the philosophy of Christ. Buddhism seems even more built for that.

 

[Occams Barber]

I remember a thread of someone saying he was glad to not be part of a religion.

Why the sigh David?

If you have no reason to believe in god(s) then why would you want be part of a religion?

I know that many Christians have difficulty understanding non-belief. I have a similar problem when it comes to understanding why Christians believe.

And for the record - as far as I know I've never been spiritual. I'm not even sure what being 'spiritual' means.
OB

 

[Robban]

What are your thoughts on atheists being "spiritual" or attempting to be "spiritual"? On this sub-forum I have heard of talk about atheist pagans, and I'd like to learn more in an attempt to understand that framework.

From my own perspective I was once a theist who was hyper spiritual, and I find the loss of my theism to be greatly saddening and troubling. My own ideas of what spirituality is regarding a more natural/psychological understanding largely has to do with empathy, and from the math I cannot see how I as an atheist will ever come up with a type of atheist "spirituality" that wouldn't be a mere hand-me-down version of the excellent spirituality I had as a theist.

We all have a spirit,
spirit/Ruach is the emotional self and "personality".

It is a part of the souls makeup,

The human soul has five names/levels/dimensions,
soul,
spirit,
breath,
life,
singularity,

Could well be you are referring to "Godly soul".

Our Sages speak of two distinct souls that vitalize a human being.

The animal soul is driven by the quest for self-preservation and self-enhancement,
resembling the soul and self of all the other creations.

Godly soul, a soul driven by the desire to reconnect with it,s Source.

It is a struggle between these two souls.

Trying to reconcile our physical needs and desires with our spiritual aspirations.

Seems like your Godly soul is yearning for home?

 

[Not David]

Why the sigh David?

If you have no reason to believe in god(s) then why would you want be part of a religion?

I know that many Christians have difficulty understanding non-belief. I have a similar problem when it comes to understanding why Christians believe.

And for the record - as far as I know I've never been spiritual. I'm not even sure what being 'spiritual' means.
OB

The thing is that he is a Christian who doesn't believe in religion.

 

[awitch]

What are your thoughts on atheists being "spiritual" or attempting to be "spiritual"? On this sub-forum I have heard of talk about atheist pagans, and I'd like to learn more in an attempt to understand that framework.

The atheist pagan I knew described it as a reverence of nature without the belief in any deity.
I would suspect such spirituality comes from being more consciously aware of nature. Spend time outdoors, identify and learn about the species of plants and animals around you. Become an armchair biologist. Connect with something outside of your bubble that's larger than yourself even if it's just a walk around a lake.

 

[MehGuy]

The atheist pagan I knew described it as a reverence of nature without the belief in any deity.
I would suspect such spirituality comes from being more consciously aware of nature. Spend time outdoors, identify and learn about the species of plants and animals around you. Become an armchair biologist. Connect with something outside of your bubble that's larger than yourself even if it's just a walk around a lake.

Why does he feel the need to attach the label "pagan" to that?

 

[awitch]

Why does he feel the need to attach the label "pagan" to that?

Not sure. Maybe because our pagan group was happy to accept him.

 

[Occams Barber]

The thing is that he is a Christian who doesn't believe in religion.

OK - I misunderstood you. In the context of the thread I thought you were talking about a non-believer.

Christians who claim not to belong to a 'religion' is a fairly common trope around here. I suspect they really mean that they don't belong to a mainstream denomination.
OB

 

[dlamberth]

I would suspect such spirituality comes from being more consciously aware of nature. Spend time outdoors, identify and learn about the species of plants and animals around you.

I'd add that being aware of nature as a life force in and of itself can be a very spiritual experience.

 

[MehGuy]

Not sure. Maybe because our pagan group was happy to accept him.

Aw, that's nice.

As for me, I never knew what to call myself. Personally I don't like using the "spiritual" label as an atheist, but I do try to psychological recreate spiritual feelings and try to create an aesthetic around that. I borrow very heavily from my Christian upbringing.

 

[akaDaScribe]

What are your thoughts on atheists being "spiritual" or attempting to be "spiritual"? On this sub-forum I have heard of talk about atheist pagans, and I'd like to learn more in an attempt to understand that framework.

From my own perspective I was once a theist who was hyper spiritual, and I find the loss of my theism to be greatly saddening and troubling. My own ideas of what spirituality is regarding a more natural/psychological understanding largely has to do with empathy, and from the math I cannot see how I as an atheist will ever come up with a type of atheist "spirituality" that wouldn't be a mere hand-me-down version of the excellent spirituality I had as a theist.

It's ok to realize that there is something "more" and when you do, pursuing the "more" is a natural reaction. Obviously, I believe what I believe, but I think seeking is wiser than denying what you know in your heart.

I think most people know there is more. It's just easier to say you don't believe in anything than to figure out what you believe or to have to express it; especially if you aren't quite sure.