I see people sometimes cite this as being the reason they believe in a god, but what exactly is a 'spiritual experience'?
2007-03-07 02:43:18 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The spiritual experience is the result of the power of suggestion or a placebo effect. I used to be a believer. I had many "spiritual" experiences. I came to realize that these feelings were the result of either the heightened emotional intensity of the moment. For example during a church service or at the end of a church service during the "invitation" to come on down and accept Jesus. Or the feeling that I would have after I really poured my heart out in prayer. I can also achieve a strong spiritual experience after meditation or after I have had a good cry and talked to a dear friend about whatever my problems are at that time. The "release" of feelings whatever the situation can often make a person feel a sense of relief. When you convince yourself that a god is up there listening to you and pour your heart out to that god the "spiritual" experience is a result of the power of suggestion.
Just my opinion from my own experiences during my time as a believer and my life now as an Atheist.
2007-03-07 03:01:48 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Could be many things...but it is a direct personal experience of some kind.
For me it started in my early 20s. I was agnostic and looking for a definate answer. The story of Buddha inspired me and so I meditated often. During one of my meditations, I felt a great presence within me and outside of me. It was totally beyond what my mind could handle, but there was deep peace, love, and joy. It seemed intelligent...sentient. I knew at that point there was definately a God...a Great Spirit (as it felt)...an Universal Being...etc.
Now I can commune and connect with the Divine whenever I wish. I have learned much...received intuitions and messages...etc. God supports me in my daily life...and I know it (kinesthetic - felt in the core of my being...no so much intellectual).
That is an example of a spiritual experience.
~ Eric Putkonen
2007-03-07 02:56:32 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A spiritual experience is an experience, thought, or realization that involves a formerly untapped region of the mind in which you experience yourself in a different light. Just as it is hard to forget a memorable experience, it is also hard to forget a spiritual experience, so hard, in fact, that people often dedicate themselves towards understanding more about religion and spirituality because of it.
2007-03-07 02:51:43 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most spiritual experiences are UPG, that is, they aren't valid for those not experiencing them, as they can't be proven outside that person's experience. An encounter with the divine is generally such an experience, and one assumes that the encounterer has ruled out other explanations.
UPG definition: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unverified_personal_gnosis
2007-03-07 02:52:23 · answer #4 · answered by LabGrrl 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
For me it is my encounters with the Holy Spirit through God. When you have a close relationship with God, God speaks to you through His Holy Spirit. It's awesome when you eternally hear God speaking to your soul and to your heart! You get close to God by praying, reading His word and obeying His commandments and asking forgiveness of sin your are aware and unaware of.
2007-03-07 02:53:01 · answer #5 · answered by anjoek5859 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Spritual existance is something that people make up so when they die, they believe there is something to look forward to.
2007-03-07 02:47:33 · answer #6 · answered by silentbob 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Try taking magic mushrooms ;)
2007-03-07 02:46:38 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Really good sex can be,,,if your with the right woman!!!
2007-03-07 02:50:52 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋