Why do many Christians feel that Atheists are not spiritual?

Question

I am not getting that, by the very definition of the word we are very spiritual, in fact a lot of us do humanitarian works, volunteer, meditate, avoid eating other animals, work and live just like you. Amazingly enough to the best of my knowledge we are usually a pretty entertaining bunch- not a banana reference (insert eye-roll here). So why you believe that we are a soul-less and condemned to burn in hell? Doesn’t your Christian values of accepting all God’s children and condemning those that do not follow your path seem a bit…I don’t know…say passive/aggressive?

By the very definition of the word…

Spiritual: of, relating to, consisting of, or affecting the spirit

Spirit: an animating or vital principle held to give life to physical organisms- a special attitude or frame of mind- a person having a character or disposition of a specified nature

Answer 1

Taosim is an example of an atheist-friendly set of beliefs that is all about spirituality. Christians didn't invent the term. They just perverted it.

Edit - For those saying spirits aren't natural... you don't know that. The manipulation of "energy" through the body is well documented, and eastern medicine relies heavily on it. I see no reason to view this as supernatural, however. It is simply unexplained. Just like electricity. Do you realize scientists still don't actually know what electricity is? We know how to manipulate it, but we don't really know what it is. But that doesn't make it "magic".

That's caveman thinking. And that's what we atheists are attempting to get people to break away from.

Answer 2

Because if by your own belief we are just natural creatures, just going about our biological lives and will eventually die and go back into the ground, then where did you get a spirit from?

You said "in fact a lot of us do humanitarian works, volunteer, meditate, avoid eating other animals, work and live just like you." How does that define spirituality? Hon, I think you have a wrong impression of what spirit is.

Nor do you understand the Christian value. We do not condemn those that do not follow our path. Neither do we accept that Atheists are God's children :) To quote you "by the very definition of the word" you are not one of God's children.

Answer 3

Well, nowhere in any of the google definitions that I pulled up did it say anything about atheists not being spiritual or believing in spirits. It says they do not believe in gods. Which of course is exactly what the word atheist means (a=without, theist=god belief).

I feel fairly spiritual for an atheist. I try and relax and even meditate once in awhile. And Of course we are entertaining, we are not burdened with an abundance of god-speak and prayer on a daily basis.

Answer 4

Johnny, Mjk, Elf, and Mojo all explained it to you. Since you believe you are a physical being, how can you also have a spirit? If you don't have a spirit, how can you be spirit-ual? You may be a very nice person, but that isn't the same as being spiritual. Why would you complain about someone calling you soul-less? Why would a physical creature, bound to die and rot in the grave with no thought of any afterlife, be concerned about being called "soul-less", let alone "condemned to burn in hell"?
Forgive me if I am being "intolerant" here, but, I don't get it.

Answer 5

It's because many Christians are Christians because they were raised that way and don't know what spirituality is. And of course the old story of if you're not a believe like me you must be evil. Not only is it possibly passive / aggressive it's hypocritical as well. What happened to love thy neighbor? Christ never said Love thy neighbor but, only if he is a Christian too.

Answer 6

Because Atheists don’t believe in God.

You can only have spirituality if there is a God. If there was no God there would be no reason to be spiritual.

All the other things you made mention of is not being spiritual, it’s you being a nice person, that’s all.

Answer 7

Spiritual is broad, just like Christianity is abroad. Different views on different Beliefs. I feel very sorryful for you when in Helll you will lift up your eyes, Burning to Death and Being Tormented for all eternity, only to find out that Jesus Christ, Heaven and Hell really exist and sadly it will be much, much, too Late.

Answer 8

A excellent questioning atheist would not perception in any god, yet that does no longer mean they would not comprehend absolutely everyone elses choose for perception. i'd say that anybody mocking any faith is extra of an agnostic than an atheist. both are frequently mistaken for another.

Answer 9

I think its probably, the image of people like Michael Nedow-(remember in C.A,wanted removal of pledge),because he didn't want his son saying pledge in school.Aren't all the Atheists calling for the removal of God in our society? Where are all the Atheist's in Hollywood movies? Don't you think this also plays a role.Atheist's don't have enough exposure in our society,in order to be seen as human.Example,homosexuals,as soon as Hollywood started integrating homosexuals in t.v and movies,homosexuals started getting accepted better into society.I would think that if Atheists were tolerant of Christians,as far as keeping God in our schools,maybe they would be seen as better people.Personally speaking of course, I don't have any Atheist friends,and its not like their knocking on my door,saying hey Joe,want to hang out.The only atheist friend I have is (Jim Darwin).Would you even consider being my friend because I'm a Christian? I wouldn't mind having you as a friend,but if I wanted to keep God in school,would you still want to be my friend? If you say no,well than I think you have an answer~~~
God Bless

Answer 10

Because, according to Christianity you shove God aside for other things, instead of accepting him. Yes, christian values call for acceptance and love, but they also call for change in those that we see like you. If others are condemming you, I am sorry, but they are only trying to change you into a christian, and save you from an eternity in Hell.