can you say that atheism is a stage in the spiritual journey ?

Question

I think I have lost my faith , I was a strong believer in my faith , but after a while, after reconsidering a lot religious , I have lost my faith in anything spiritual as a result ...I think I have becomed what you can call an atheist now, not that I don't believe in God, but I don't believe in any religious movement, and I can't join any of them ..because, I lost my convictions ..I can't be strongly convinced of anything now, ..and I think I feel bad about that ..because I cannot have any spirituality ... What do you think I can do ? has anybody ever lost his convictions about the spiritual truths or movements ? do you think someone can retrieve faith back ...when he has lost it, after several considerations ?

Answer 1

If you believe in a god, you're not completely an atheist. If you believe in, say, the Judeo-Christian deity, then you're not an atheist 100%. I'm assuming you're an atheist towards all other god concepts (meaning you are without belief in the existence of all other god concepts), but again, if you believe in even one, you're not strictly an atheist.

Just because you don't perceive any validity in "spirituality" doesn't make you an atheist, but it COULD be a stage (at least for you). There's no "carved in stone" set of steps everyone follows on any given "spiritual journey". If this feels like a stage... if this feels less like a final stance and more like a temporary roadbump on your path of inevitable belief, then yes... it's a stage.

But you know... some people stick with the "I don't know" stance. They are agnostics. They are of the opinion that either only they or all humans couldn't possibly attain certain knowledge of whether or not gods exist.

Answer 2

Roy,

Strickly speaking, you are not an atheist if you continue to beleive in a higher power. Instead, you are on the path to agnosticism - being uncertain of whether Gods exist...
This too is an acceptable path. I can understand and sympathize with the feeling of being "lost" that you are experiencing - I too was once a strong beleiver as a child, being indoctrinated into the faith. Years of consideration, education and examination lead me to atheism.
You can still have spirituality without organized religion. You can join groups of other like minded individuals who also seek support - finally figuring out that everything you "know" is a pile of BS can be a very life altering experience.... The question is: Why would you want to put those blinders back on yourself voluntarily??

Answer 3

You need to re-commit your life to Jesus and repent. Turn away from the sin in your life and continue reading the bible and praying. It sounds like you are feeling convictions and that's a good thing. Being a christian and following Jesus is not easy. I am like a chronic backslider. I know I will never turn away from God but if I don't follow Jesus on a daily basis, and build a stronger relationship with the Holy Spirit I fear I will lose my place with God. By that I mean, I'll miss whatever it is He has for me specifically if I continue to be disobedient to his word. I know I'd rather struggle with the Lord than struggle all alone because I've been there before, for many years. I get pumped up when I think about what else God can do for me for the simple fact of what I've gone through in the past and come out of it basically sane but only because of my faith.

Answer 4

You are not an atheist since you believe in God. You are a believer without a religion. I don't think that anyone can tell you if you are going to believe in it again or not. There are people who have a very strong spiritual life who do not believe in a particular religion, and for that matter there are people who have a strong spiritual life although they do not believe in God. There is plenty of spirituality to be had without dogma. I sincerely hope that you find it. My very best to you.

Answer 5

It can be, but "faith" isn't logical thinking, it's just falling backward into what someone else has told you without doing much hard thinking yourself. Do some research, and do it with your logical-thinking mind and an open mind. Religion is a construct designed by people as a means to their own ends, you might actually find a religion that you LIKE, even if it's Islam, Hinduism, Paganism, Wicca, etc. OR you might wind up like me, a Buddhist.

May you find happiness friend.

Answer 6

Absolutely. It is sad that most religious people never question their faith, and accept their parents views out of fear or respect. Everyone who believes in God should ask themselves why? Any answer is legitimate, but not asking the question is definitely a cop-out.

Check out: www.edge.org for an excellent discussion on atheism. It is great to have rational answers for what you think, it frees your mind.

Answer 7

Atheism is not a stage. It is outside all the spiritual junk that are only lies to make you think you're on the wrong path if you reject their "precious" god and that you need to be "saved" and brought back to the "light". Don't listen to them. They're just filling your head with rubbish. THAT'S the truth.

Answer 8

You don't have to join any religious movements. Take a look at the teachings and follow them. You can do that on your own.

Answer 9

yes. Atheism is definitely a stage in the journey. not everyone sees that portion of the path in their current life, but it is part of the whole thing.

I would suggest to just let that part of your mind and awareness... you could say, "cool down" and just let the whole issue be on the back burner for a while. I think when its time, you will find something that "brings you back" in a way that is just right for you.

for the person who thinks atheism is the destination. rofl. I wonder if that person realizes that they sound just as silly as the christians thinking THEY are as far as it goes.

Answer 10

My friend the moment you ask, it will be back. It takes time to build any relationship. You only need to look to the scriptures to find the way. When you read, pray to Jesus; "Lord forgive me of my sins for I do not understand. Please help me to see all that is truth in that which You have placed before me. Oh Lord show me the way to Our Father." (your own words will be of more meaning to you) and as your understanding grows, know that you belong to the Church of God and it can only be found within you.