I feel that I'm spiritual. I know other atheists who believe they are spiritual but I have someone who disagrees.
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=ApE36Mgj3S23j0E53qOSBE7d7BR.?qid=20070419133600AA6cEzG
Is she right? Am I a troll for asking "unspiritual" people a question in R&S?
2007-04-19 09:41:34 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Not this particular atheist,no.
And if anyone accuses my wife of being a troll,they will have me to answer to
2007-04-19 11:20:40 · answer #1 · answered by rosbif 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a Buddhist, I'm essentially atheist, as it applies to omnipotent creator deities, but outside of that I believe in a lot of things a lot of people could BASICALLY label as "spiritual", but I define it a bit differently.
"Spirituality" generally refers to a belief in a concept of a "spirit", as various religions define them, so in that way I'm not "spiritual" since I don't believe in such a thing like most people put forth. Buddhism believes that mind goes on, not a spirit, however when you LOOSELY toy with the word in LOGIC they can be almost the same concept... such as when I read something about Asatru, Native American spirituality, etc.
Why? Those concepts got squashed thousands of years ago and didn't have the room to evolve well, but I think had "pagan" ideas had been given freedom to "evolve" as Buddhism has, untainted, I think they'd have come to the same conclusions... many philosophies, viewed through the lens of Buddhist philosophy have the SAME levels of logical truths, but they define them differently, per their ways. I'd just loosely label myself as an atheist with Buddhist/Shamanic ethics... what others see me as is all perception.
Having said all of that... generally the people who come up with comments, as in your link, are generally ignorant and don't have a grasp of the larger picture to begin with. It's dualistic thinking... you're either/or... materialist or nihilist... on my side or not... us or them... always the same trash, but I don't blame them. Western thinking is chock full of dualism propped up by the religion that took over the world by the sword and denial of rights, etc. to pagans, and anybody who didn't think like them. I won't go any further with this rant but I think you're getting my point. Then again, are you? LOL
_()_
2007-04-19 16:56:08 · answer #2 · answered by vinslave 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some are, some aren't. There's very little that can be said as a blanket statement about atheists. In fact, the term 'atheism' covers two different concepts - either non-worship of gods or non-belief in any god.
2007-04-19 16:47:26 · answer #3 · answered by Doc Occam 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would address this question to people like Vinslave
who by default ( Buddhism ) is a very spiritual atheist
2007-04-19 16:44:53 · answer #4 · answered by Peace 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
every human is a spirit.
what they do with the inner being is up to them.
turn to truth..or lies/deception.
they deny GOD..yet.say..in terror or shock "OH GOD!"
LOL.
that is their inner being..they are ignoring.
pride of SELF suffience often time..harden a person heart
to the truth..that heals or protect or deliver us.
YET>.GOD is so GOOD..he sitll bless them..hoping one day
that in a time of quietness and stillness..they might hear GOD small voice..and recognize GOD's LOVE all around them..as in..calm weather blowing over the water, sun of warmth..birds are singing..leaves making it's noise..there is LOVE everywhere in the earth..from bugs to creatures the starts the moon and sun..are all expression of GOD's LOVE for you..to be in "AWE" of His goodness to uswardly...the earth..the dirt is alive..not dead..eveything GOD created is GOOD..man's sin..bring death to the earth..by the way.
2007-04-19 16:51:12 · answer #5 · answered by blessedrobert 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
it depends on your definition of spiritual. all people are capable of, you know, wishy-washy feelings of oneness with humanity and what not. if by spiritual you mean actually having a soul, then i'd say no.
2007-04-19 16:46:15 · answer #6 · answered by scruffy 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Since I completely disagree with dogmatic behavior and irreflexive thought.......I don't think I am spiritual...
What the heck does "spiritual" mean?
2007-04-19 16:53:01 · answer #7 · answered by Malcolm Knoxville V 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some are. This one is not. We don't have a whole lot in common. You only need the "no god" thing to qualify
2007-04-19 18:13:11 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They can be, it's not against their rules. Their rules are about denying a diety. Not about lack or denial of a belief system.
2007-04-19 16:56:07 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can think of one or two on here that definitely are, and (depending on how you use the word) maybe quite a few.
2007-04-19 16:46:42 · answer #10 · answered by Samurai Jack 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋