Being Spiritual.

[Theland]

Quite often celebrities claim to be spiritual, and back up their claims with phrases such as, finding myself, discovering my place in the universe, connecting with nature etc etc and other nonsensical made up ideas.
But do you consider the spiritual without God in the equation, in spite of possibly your atheism?

[Mamyalynne]

Others have been far more eloquent than me and I agree with many - spirituality is an individual concept.

This paragraph sums it up. Sorry for being lazy.

//Spirituality is a broad concept with room for many perspectives. In general, it includes a sense of connection to something bigger than ourselves, and it typically involves a search for meaning in life. As such, it is a universal human experience—something that touches us all. People may describe a spiritual experience as sacred or transcendent or simply a deep sense of aliveness and interconnectedness.

Some may find that their spiritual life is intricately linked to their association with a church, temple, mosque, or synagogue. Others may pray or find comfort in a personal relationship with God or a higher power. Still others seek meaning through their connections to nature or art. Like your sense of purpose, your personal definition of spirituality may change throughout your life, adapting to your own experiences and relationships.//

[Theland]

A search for meaning in life? But many atheists are simply materialists who deny any meaning to life.
But Mamya, in general I agree with you.

[Old_Geezer]

Meaning ? Even in a spirit plane there's no guarentee of meaning. We've yet to find meaning in existence, let alone life, save what we choose to impose for ourselves.

Meaning is something we desire, not something we know. What we know of is simply existence, apparently through many moments if memory and prediction are real things (which if time is an emergent illusion, would have to all exist "at once" (perhaps both those moments we are aware of, and many more we aren't aware of but could still exist as possibilities ?))

[Paigntonian]

Groundhog day plus several. The questions are scripted and, whatever sect you belong to or none, it is just so boring to try to respond to idiocy.

[Paigntonian]

I, for one, wish to ignore Theland's adolescent verbiage in the future.

[andy-hughes]

Theland - Have you heard about the man who died and went to heaven, and we being shown around by Saint Peter?

Saint Peter said as he walked the man around - "This is the Jewish section here, and that's the Muslim section over there, and the Pagans are in that section there, and this part is reserved for the spiritual people who don't claim to know any God, but of course, they are all welcome here …"

and at that point, they reached an area with a high wall around it, and Saint Peter lowered his voice and said "We'd appreciate it if you'd keep your voice very low when you walk past this section."

"Why?" asked the man.

"Because," said Saint Peter, "This is the Christian section, and they think they are the only ones here!"

Think about it!!!

[Mamyalynne]

Paigntonian, I strongly agree that your decision to ignore rather than cast insults is the right one.

[naomi24]

David, the bottom line is if the alleged promise of everlasting life hadn’t been invented the God of the bible would be redundant. Yes, it is all about self.

[Muntin]

I was hoping for a proof of the existence of god from Theland, but it looks like it's not to be.

[andy-hughes]

Muntin - // I was hoping for a proof of the existence of god from Theland, but it looks like it's not to be. //

If Theland could do that, I doubt AB would be the first place he would arrive to announce it!!!!

Oh, and don't forget, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.

So that's Cliff Richard stuffed for a start!!!

[MallyJ]

andy -hughes....thank you for that ...made me laugh out loud !!!!

[nailit]

Theland
//Spiritual, to me, means connecting to the ultimate power of the universe, which to me, is God//

How do you do that and how do you KNOW that you're connected with God?
genuine question.

[Old_Geezer]

God tells you of course !

[andy-hughes]

Theland - // But many atheists are simply materialists who deny any meaning to life. //

Materialism is not the exclusive domain of atheists - have you walked around the Vatican lately?

[Old_Geezer]

I think collecting material objects is slightly different to believing that matter is the fundamental substance in nature, and all mental aspects and consciousness are result of material interactions. I suspect most at the Vatican think there is a soul in charge of the earthly forms.

[Muntin]

Slight disagreement here with andy-hughes. I think if Theland did have a proof of the existence of god he might well announce it on here first. He spends a lot of time here and has a loyal following.

[JimF]

Can any adjective mean whatever we think it means, then? In that case, I'm very spiritual! To me, spiritual means lover of aardvarks. I can't get enough of the nocturnal, formivorous little ***...

[nailit]

I would have to ask, just exactly HOW Theland would have any kind of proof that he was in communication with God?
How would he know that he was in any kind of contact with God and not any demonic entity masquerading/pretending to be God for instance?
How would he know that it wasn't self delusional?
Nothing more than normal human emotions?
Just HOW would one know that what we interpret as 'God' is not any more than a human brain working overtime to try any justify a meaningless existance?

[nailit]

Meaningless in the great scheme of things that is.
Not meaningless in an individual existance.

[JimF]

Know then thyself, presume not God to scan.
The proper study of Mankind is Man.
- Alexander Pope