Why do *some* people assume that *all* Atheists...?

Question

...have no spirituality? Atheists do not believe in God by definition, but plenty of Atheists are spiritual. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atheism

I've seen some that are spiritual, and some that aren't. My fiance is Atheist, but he does believe that we return to a collective unconsious when we die. No God, not Bible or religion-- but certainly a spirituality.

An Agnostic like myself just aknowledges that anyone can be right or wrong-- I have beliefs but I cannot prove that they're right. So I too am spiritual without a god.

So is there just some myth that if one is Atheist by definition that they can't be spiritual, or is this just some groups trying to make Athesits unwelcome in this section?

Live-- I am here because of my beliefs, not because I "want" to believe in yours. How can I be a "fence-sitter" on a conflict I don't believe exists? To me Heaven and Hell are a myth. I believe when I die, I go into the earth and become part of the collective unconsious. I cannot force myself to believe what you believe, it's just who I am. We're here because of our beliefs, not because of your beliefs.

Institution-- you're new here, aren't you? First, don't disrespect Buddhists or any other religion, thanks. Their beliefs are just as legit as yours. Second, I won't just convert so I can fit in. Anyone who converts to fit in must have problems. I have my beliefs because I do-- not for a fun. You're not contributing to this question, you just seem to be here to insult other beliefs.

Be nice, learn some tolerance.

The Wiki just seemed to have a decent explanation, but here's another one: http://atheism.about.com/od/definitionofatheism/a/definition.htm

Dweebkin-- and some beliefs you have would probably sounds ridiculous to me, but I sure won't insult anyone about it. To each their own, I'd like you to not attack my beliefs thanks.

Answer 1

You don't have to be religious to be spiritual. Also, some people believe that non-religious people have no morals when in fact, the majority of prisoners are Christian/religious.

It is just a misconception that an Atheist cannot be spiritual. A lot of people I know respond (when being asked about their religious affiliation) state, "I'm not religious, but I'm spiritual".

Some people don't even understand the difference between atheists and agnostics. They are different. One does not believe in God and one is open to the possibility of the existence of a God but does not practice religion.

Answer 2

I can't speak for all atheists. But as far as I have been able to determine, true atheism involves the discounting of all supernatural belief. That includes the amorphous realm of "spirituality." Personally, I am anything but spiritual. I have no supernatural beliefs. None. No gods, spirits, devils, demons, spooks, ghosts or Easter Bunnies. And I have a good life, so I guess that works for me.

Just for the record: I wouldn't use Wikipedia as a resource, since it can be edited by users. I wouldn't believe Wiki if it told me the sky is blue.

Answer 3

Mother Teresa had serious doubts about the existence of God, and stopped praying years before she died.

I'm spiritual, I just don't know how to label my experiences. From the standpoint of the 3 western religions, I'm a solid atheist. But I practice Buddhist meditation. I have a lot of strange beliefs, and dreams too. So I can't deny spirituality. I just can't describe what it is.

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Answer 4

you have all of it incorrect, the comprehensive debate approximately advent / Evolution isn't approximately technology or info, that's in basic terms a smoke reveal screen for the genuine concern and that's Philosophy. Atheist in basic terms want a Universe with one God in it, Themselves, they do now not choose to have confidence that they are going to be answerable to every person save themselves, so that they pass to tremendous Lengths to concoct info and brainwash themselves into believing it alongside with rabid Pseudo Scientist who's anti-God schedule is to get rid of all faith as a manner to have their Atheist Utopia. This technology stuff is merely a smoke reveal screen to cover the genuine concern

Answer 5

certainly religion when defined as a way of life could encompass godless life as well as secular humanism which the courts could not define as religion to date . perhaps philosophy holds a thin line to religion at times . but anyone even a naturalists can feel the awe inspiring spirit of the universe when gazing at the stars or the sun and clouds above with out the recantations of formal religious superstitions

Answer 6

Stereotypes make involving in conversation easier.
We all have a psychological map. None of us see the whole world, and our maps are either rich in diversity, leading to a lot of confusion sometimes, or easily labeled so we can quickly identify and deal with a situation. The latter are people who stereotype.

Answer 7

The people critcizing you are usually fanatics, unable/unwilling to grasp you, your philosophies or how you are able to live life without a God...many of these people cannot survive the death of their beliefs or even an injury to their beliefs as it's all they have & your strength & ability to live & thrive without these crutches scares the heck out of them! So don't take it too personally!

Answer 8

I would like to understand yhe true meaning of being an atheist first. Granted they don't believe in Afterlife or don't follow either of the religions. But if one of them believes in the presence of a spiritual power, can he/she still be called an atheist?

Answer 9

I'd assume it's because the majority of atheists also disbelieve in the supernatural for the same reasons they don't believe in God.

Answer 10

Sorry but Collective Conscience sounds like science fiction to me. Every person's conscience is unique and individual. Otherwise free will cannot exist.