Thank-you for answering my last post, I did read them all. However I did learn that Athiests claim to be spiritual, I would be interested to hear their definition of being spiritual without a higher order of intelligence being involved. I have never met anyone who has converted to athieism with any dramatic life changing testamonies.
Look forward to your answers :-)
2007-09-11 09:29:37 · 48 answers · asked by Andy 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
No belief in a god
2007-09-11 09:33:12 · answer #1 · answered by jason c 1 · 5⤊ 0⤋
It depends on how one defines "God". Atheists do NOT believe in a god (or gods). Some are strictly empirical about it, no metaphysics allowed. Others are aware that there are still mysteries out there, what with quantum theory developments, unexplained phenomenon and even some peak emotional experiences hinting that the perceived world way not be everything. But I suspect they universally do not accept the existence of some sort of conscious mind directing the activities of the universe and its inhabitants. Anything "supernatural" would be part of the unconscious, intrinsic operating rules of reality.
2007-09-11 10:39:46 · answer #2 · answered by skepsis 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure. I am a Taoist. Taoism is an atheistic spiritual philosophy. The Tao is not a deity, it is, well, it's very hard to define. But essentially all deities are considered to be symbols for aspects of the Tao. They are not real.
The tao that can be told
is not the eternal Tao
The name that can be named
is not the eternal Name.
The unnamable is the eternally real.
Naming is the origin
of all particular things.
------------
The great Tao flows everywhere.
All things are born from it,
yet it doesn't create them.
It pours itself into its work,
yet it makes no claim.
It nourishes infinite worlds,
yet it doesn't hold on to them.
Since it is merged with all things
and hidden in their hearts,
it can be called humble.
Since all things vanish into it
and it alone endures,
it can be called great.
It isn't aware of its greatness;
thus it is truly great.
--Tao Te Ching
Life changing dramatic testimonies? Well, that's harder. For some of us it was a gradual realization, and a process of becoming honest with ourselves. It often isn't dramatic. It's just acknowledging what was already there. Freeing, but no flopping on the floor or anything. You just realize what you thinking and say, "Oh. Wow. Cool." and go on your merry way.
2007-09-11 09:45:09 · answer #3 · answered by KC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi...
A 'true' atheist, does 'not' believe in 'any' form of spirituality!
Atheists believe that there is 'no' proof for there being an entity called 'god' or any creator figure.
An atheist believes in facts and 'not' myth!
Atheists believe in science, including evolution, which is by far, a much more rationalised belief system, built on measured theory, data and facts!
Where would we be today if Galileo, a 'scientist', had not stepped forward and stated the World was a sphere, because the religious refused to believe and also, threatened to murder him, for his 'blaspemy'!!??
2007-09-11 09:57:53 · answer #4 · answered by Paul222@England 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Woah nelly. Not all of us claim to be spiritual. In fact few of us do I would think. I prefer the term "Humanism" as apposed to atheism though. It says more about what I am as opposed to what I am not. Humanism is a philosophy of life inspired by humanity and guided by reason. It provides the basis for a fulfilling and ethical life without religion.
Humanists make sense of the world using reason, experience and shared human values.
Humanists see no convincing evidence for gods, the supernatural, or life after death.
Humanists believe that moral values are properly founded on human empathy and scientific understanding.
Humanists believe we must live this life on the basis that it is the only life we'll have -- that, therefore, we must make the most of it for ourselves, each other, and our world.
Humanist philosophies have arisen separately in many different cultures over many thousands of years. Whether or not they use the term humanism, tens of millions of Americans and hundreds of millions of people around the world agree with the humanist philosophy of living a happy and productive life based on reason and compassion.
2007-09-11 09:34:36 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Really depends on the person. I call myself Agnostic because I'm don't have all the answers, but by definition I am Atheist because I have no God. I do believe that when I die I go back to the earth and become part of it in spirit. And I believe in spirits and things that can't be explained.
Still, no God or religion. So by definition...
2007-09-11 09:39:27 · answer #6 · answered by mathaowny 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The definition of "Atheist" means "without god".
In one context this could mean anyone who doesn't believe in god but today normally means one who doesn't subscribe to ancient superstitions, religions ,etc.
In the Buddhist fantasy, there is no god but some kind of cosmic score board. So if you do bad in this life you won't go to hell but you might come back as a cripple.
The books of religion make FANTASTIC reading.
Who could believe it?
Heaven and hell, No ones ever come back to tell us.
So a priest in a church is talking about a place he's never been to, to a load of people who're never going there either, or words to that effect ,said Oscar Wilde.
(LOOK IT UP)
2007-09-11 09:56:53 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Atheist means - - not believing in a god or any higher power .For myself , I go farther. I believe in NO supernaturals whatsoever . No gods, angels , fairies , Spiderman , Santa Claus , zombies , Mother Goose , or anything else that is supernatural.
Any supernatural, as the above , and including faith healing , curses , spells , voo-doo , zodiac , etc. are all just stupid superstitions .
I believe in the natural world , no make-believes , no fairy tales.
By the way , no one ever converts to Atheism. If someone tells you something that sounds very fishy to you - - - you don't convert from him . You simply don't believe what he told you .
2007-09-11 09:45:57 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The beliefs only go so far. Praying.....it works. God.... its a good explanation for all the randomness in the world. But these people that go out of their way to worship and try to convert people to see things the way they do when they could be out in the world and actually helping people that need real help. Lead by example not by regurgitating what you think you know. That's what i don't like
2007-09-11 09:42:33 · answer #9 · answered by Lazarus Cadaver 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm an atheist with a religion. Just not a theistic one.
I fit into the third definition of religion, actually. "3. personal beliefs or values: a set of strongly-held beliefs, values, and attitudes that somebody lives by." http://encarta.msn.com/dictionary_1861700316/religion.html
My religion is not about worship or about the supernatural. I frankly don't believe in either. After all, if something has no empirical effect on the world, what's the point in speculating about it? My religion deals with personal development, it deals with growth and harmony.
2007-09-11 09:38:56 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
First off, its Atheism, not Athiesm.
I am an atheist, and I am a very spiritual person. Spirituality is defined by everyone differently. I define it as being happy with who I am, happy with my life, content with my place in the world and comfortable with the fact of death. I find beauty in everything around me, especially when I'm scuba diving. I am constantly amazed at the complexity and beauty of our world.
And I do all this without a god.
2007-09-11 09:36:35 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋