Atheists, would you describe your spiritual experiences?

Question

Many in the religious herd aren't aware that we atheists have spiritual experiences just like they do. Even before my conversion from a Christian I always had a spiritual affinity towards the grandeur of nature, astronomy, and evolution (my church accepted evolution- it's not the sole reason for my conversion) but my feelings were clouded by father-figure attachments to the mythical Jesus (what can you expect from a child). In any case, when I gaze at the night sky or stand by the ocean, I feel a spiritual unity with the universe. I simply found that I don't need to turn the grand cosmos into a silly racist butcher (yahweh) in order for it to have value. The Universe is a thing-in-itself, self-created, and it is no less powerful for lack of consciousness. In fact, WE are the consciousness of the Universe. I call this "spiritual Atheism" - the meaning and awe that comes from our sense of place in nature. If you are an Atheist or Agnostic, would you share your spiritual feelings?

To the confused Christians- Atheists have no deity, that is quite correct. But only if you define a deity as a being or person. Existence itself- life- is spiritual. Existence does not need to be made into a man (god, deity, etc.) for it to have meaning, least of all a man who promotes ethnic cleansing, murder, and rape, as the biblical god does.

As for the distinction between Agnostic and Atheist, here again there are some difficulties posed by the terminology. I could be considered an agnostic towards any number of possibilities while remaining an atheist towards the gods of Rome, India, Judea, Aztlan, Gaul, Canaan, etcetera. In fact, as Richard Dawkins recently emphasized, most people are Atheists towards 99% of all the gods that have ever been believed in. What I am saying is that I don't know everything that exists, I only know what doesn't exist based on the fact that it defies logic. As Epicurus stated long ago, either god is omnipotent and evil (not good) or he/it is not omnipotent. Either way, that is not a deity worth worshipping.

Answer 1

Wow, what insight!!! I LOVED your question.

I am agnostic, I guess. But, I really don't label myself, but I suppose my beliefs are similar to that notion. I simply feel that there is something greater than man which is based on the fact that we really DON'T know much about the universe. Much is unknown/undiscovered, but much is also purely man's perspective.

Aside from this, I get energy from nature. I think there is something about it, that I can't pinpoint or describe in words. that just fills me with so much purity and joy and peace.

In times of crisis, I get hope from faith in my ancestors. This is kind of fleeting for me, but I often pray to ancestors that have passed to watch over me and help guide me. Might sound kind of silly. It's a real private thing and kind of isn't based on any logic.

I think religious denominations have caused more pain in the world than anything. However, I think religion is important, but only so far as a basis for basic morals and values. I think it's important for people to believe in something. Hope and faith, I think are centres that can lead to other "good" attributes.

Further, I don't agree with the common notion that you need to go to an institution, like a church, to have faith. It sort of feels judgemental to me and I feel boxed in by the notion. Like, if you don't go to church and accept popular or recognized or macro beliefs, you're a sinner. Just sounds kind of naive.

Thanx for your intelligent question!!

Answer 2

You should post your psychology question in the r and s section maybe. I do believe in something supernatural. I won't say why. Because of some of my experiences I believe there is a God. But I understand how hard it is to believe in something there's no proof for. I understand about the horrible things that are in the holy books. I'm not christian but I like Jesus' teachings. The peace, love, understanding parts. Yeah, I did pick and choose. But that's because I know those teachings are right for everyone. I like Buddhist teachings too. You really should post that psychology question though. I thought it was a great question and a great answer.

Answer 3

Spiritual experiences for me are emotional responses to things I enjoy. Music, nature, family etc.... They are all things that cause me to feel emotions like Love, Wonder, Trust, Joy...etc.

Religious people attribute these emotions to God, and have a false believe that the non religious cannot experience them. What they don't realize is that emotions are natural human traits.

A Christian may see a sunset and think "I am so lucky that God created me" An Agnostic may see the same sunset and think, "I am so lucky to be alive" The result is the same.

Answer 4

You might enjoy a book titled "Spirituality for the Skeptic", by UT-Austin philosopher Robert Solomon. It's about a naturalized version of spirituality.

I believe that most atheists share a sense of continuity with nature (we are animals, after all, as we recognize). There is right at this moment a sparrow flitting around in the gutter across the road outside of my window. She is more beautiful than all the words ever written.

Answer 5

You can completely describe that experience with words like "feelings of wonder" and "amazement" and "unity". I don't see why the word "spiritual" is necessary, as it has so many different connotations that aren't applicable here.

I too stand in constant wonder the more I learn about this Universe... but I wouldn't ever evoke religious terminology to explain it.

Answer 6

How can you not feel spiritual when you look into the eyes of your newly born child....its like nothing else and more powerful than most anything else. Flowers springing up...the colors so brilliant... A really great meal with you family....It brings a feeling of lightness to your step....a fullness to your heart....a tingle up your spine. I dont know where it all comes from...but Im sure happy to be a part of it.

Answer 7

Wow, not to sound corney, but you just summed my feelings about things pretty well. Im taking that connection so far as to make it my life. That oneness i find with nature drove me to science. Im getting a degree in geology, but originally came to my school for astronomy. I would agree with you 100%. I find God in nature. I think God is nature. The worship of a higher being is just people making God in their image.

I gave a movie quote in another question, and was critized via personal message for doing so. Of course, i have now decided to do it again. I said there, I seem to find wisdom in strange places. This time, Ill borrow a quote from "V for Vendetta", of all places.

"God is in the rain"

This hit home for me, but i dont quite agree with it. I think God is the rain.

Excellent description and good question.

Answer 8

I was listening to the C minor Passacaglia and Fugue by J.S. Bach and I suddenly realised the music could be experienced as a description of a love marriage. It altered my thinking about love and marriage.

Answer 9

Agnostic.

The only Spiritual ( I would rather say supernatural ) experience's are when I have Deja Vou'. It weirds me out.
Its only effect is that I smile and ask myself a few questions about it. When I have no answer I don't answer it. I just chalk it up to being something weird.

Answer 10

I love nature too.
Plants, rocks, stars, it's all so amazing.

Rocks are cool, sometimes when I take a trip, I want to stop on the side of the road and take some home.

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