How many of you believe that spiritualism is the same as...Superstition?

Question

I am curious to know how many of you think that? If you do then please tell me cause I would love to know...Please no spouting off about the bible, this question is for "Spiritualists" only, thank you so there is no mis-answers. thank you!

Answer 1

I tried to make a distinction in answering this question, showing that superstition was more negative and spirituality was more positive, but in attempting that I found that I was fooling myself. Superstition is spirituality that I do not accept. Both are based on faith and mixed with ignorance and both take pieces of other established religions.

Superstiton according to dictionary.com

An irrational belief that an object, action, or circumstance not logically related to a course of events influences its outcome.

A belief, practice, or rite irrationally maintained by ignorance of the laws of nature or by faith in magic or chance.
A fearful or abject state of mind resulting from such ignorance or irrationality.
Idolatry.

Spiritualism according to dictionary.com


The belief that the dead communicate with the living, as through a medium.
The practices or doctrines of those holding such a belief.
A philosophy, doctrine, or religion emphasizing the spiritual aspect of being.

Spiritual according to dictionary.com

Of, relating to, consisting of, or having the nature of spirit; not tangible or material. See Synonyms at immaterial.
Of, concerned with, or affecting the soul.
Of, from, or relating to God; deific.
Of or belonging to a church or religion; sacred.
Relating to or having the nature of spirits or a spirit; supernatural.

I think a superstition is a subset of spirituality, or can be, at least. Nevertheless, I denote myself as spiritual, yet not superstitious. Well, not very :)

Answer 2

Look at the rush to web sites, dictionary meaning sites !
Well, obviously, it is quite in order, and 'natural' !
And also, logical ..... if the meaning of spirituality , spiritualist, spiritualism is to be understood through logic...
But experientially, do we feel the spirit ? If yes, then we also know that verbal descriptions are bound to lead us to a situation, where the question looks justified ( .... same as superstition?).
To me, spirituality is about going beyond nature !
What ever is in nature, the sense organs allows us to perceive.
But there are among us , a few who have demonstrated that human beings can deepen their perception level further beyond the sense organs, not by 'by-passing' or shutting them down, but consciously increasing the level of awareness, explore the possibilities of experiencing newer dimensions of consciousness, beyond the perception of sense organs ! That is what spirituality is about. Yes, it may look like superstition to those who have chosen to be contended to incessantly gather inputs through sense organs only, and further theorise by permutation and combination , etc...
The reason as to why these web-sites give such explanations is , the scope of these dictionaries, encyclopedia etc is to give widely 'accepted' meaning which are again 'verifiable' with reasonably healthy sense organs. This word is somehow used widely, and yet evades reach 'within' the sense organs. We may call it a mystic word, to be used amongst mystics !
The attempt of this answer is not to present a 'clarity' about spirituality. It is not possible, since understanding this word requires experience to some extent. The best possible reward is, if this answer creates a 'thirst' , and the rest follows !

Answer 3

Merriam-Webster gives the following definitions of "spiritualism":

"1 : the view that spirit is a prime element of reality
2 A : a belief that spirits of the dead communicate with the living usually through a medium B (capitalized) : a movement comprising religious organizations emphasizing spiritualism"
http://m-w.com/dictionary/spiritualism

I think definitions 1 and 2 A apply here. As for definition 1, I believe that spirit is *the* prime element of reality, only I call it energy, rajas, will to power. As for definition 2 A, I do not believe that there are "spirits" (supernatural beings or essences), "souls", "ghosts". One can *will* a soul; only by willing one does one have one. There is no indestructible, immaterial essence to (living) things, unless it be energy. To quote Bill Hicks, all matter is really energy condensed to a slow vibration. The two poles of energy are matter at 0 degrees Kelvin (when the atoms themselves stand still - this state cannot even be reached theoretically, this pole is a virtual one), and light (nothing can move faster than the speed of light). The speed of light is possible, of course, as there is light. However, the speed of light is still relative, as light moves slower in water than in air, for instance. The absolute speed of light, the speed of light in absolute vacuum, is also a virtual pole, as an absolute vacuum cannot possibly exist (by the way, absolute vacuum is also the presupposition of absolute temperature (0 degrees Kelvin)).

The real question, I think, is whether I am a substance dualist. Do I believe in a metaphysical (supernatural) world beyond the physical (natural) world? - The answer is: No, I do not. I believe there is only energy, rajas, will to power. The physical world *is* the spiritual world. And I don't mean spirit in the milk-and-water sense; rather as in "fighting spirit". For a more elaborate explanation of my notion of "spirit", check http://members3.boardhost.com/nietzsche/msg/1153192134.html

EDIT:

Whahaha! Why don't you give the ten points to the "guy" directly below me? That is probably the answer you are looking for, the answer that placates you - a truly "spiritualist", i.e., *superstitious answer!*

Empathy my @$$; fantasy, more like!

Fantasia is about to be devoured by the Nothing...

Answer 4

Couldn't modern religion be considered superstition?

There is an invisible man, who lives in the sky, and watches everything that we do.

And he has a list of 10 things that he does not want you to do or you will suffer for your transgressions.

And you must go to a special ritual spot, where flesh is consumed and blood is drank. And where a special sign is given to the members to identify other members.

(I am not belittling religion or any one's faith. I am making trenchant comment about how one can approach faith and put it in a different light.

As Tom Lehrer said in the song "Smut": "When correctly viewed/Everything is lewd/I could tell you stories about Peter Pan/And the Wizard of Oz (there's a dirty old man.")

We all need to have an open mind when we approach things we know little of.

Answer 5

I am not a superstitious person but I am a spiritualist. It's hard to define this because who is to say what is real? If it's real to me then it is real. I communicate with a spirit guide but I don't believe if you break a mirror it is 7 years bad luck. Of course OTHERS would just say I am crazy...

Answer 6

I consider myself very spiritual (not christian) and I do not think it is the same as superstition. being spiritual is something you feel to your core, it encompasses everything you are and everything you do. Superstition is something in your mind that for some reason you have a fear of.

Answer 7

Superstition is usualy belief by tradition, myth and folklore.

Spiritualism is a logical explaination for the scientifically unexplained, and often fits in neatly WITH science.

Answer 8

I dont Superstition Is rooted In fear and Is predictable.
Spritualism Is a belief In a higher power and Is peacefull
not disturbing

Answer 9

It is not. I do not believe if I cross the path of a black cat I will have luck luck.
We are a body, with a soul ( a brain ) and a spirit. Our spirits live forever.

Answer 10

like it or not, but spiritualism/God is "wired" into our brains and hearts> whether this a mere coincedence of evolution or whether God himself created us this way....is a topic of debate>