Althought, i am a theist but i definately think yes. Most atheists seem to be less judgemental which in my humble opinion is a sign of spiritual evolvement!
2007-10-26 06:39:05 · 23 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I think you may be right. Generally, most athiests leave all options open and explore many pathways. Theists can often lock out all other possibilities because it conflicts with their beleifs, and thus miss out on a lot of opportunity for spiritual development.
2007-10-26 06:42:55 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Evolution is neutral on the evaluation of "progress". The only thing that matters is whether or not a mutation represents a survival advantage (competitively or environmentally).
If we were to see mass extinctions of theist, or atheists, (outside of the action of deliberate war), an evolutionary point might be made. Intelligence, openness and adaptability are usually survival aids but not always. And I've seen intolerant, narrow-minded atheists as well as tolerant, egalitarian theists. But the world seems to be big enough for both to survive for quite some time. And the traits don't seem to be genetic. People have been known to change their minds.
2007-10-26 13:52:13 · answer #2 · answered by skepsis 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on whether you mean religious spirituality or the kind that borders on spiritualism. If an atheist considers believing in the existence of the spirit or something supernatural, he is toying with the idea of theism, even if he prefers to be in the Dark side. Being civilized does not necessarily mean one is spiritually more evolved but, of course, it may be a sign of it. If one does not believe in any rule, of course, he won't judge. But judgement should be righteous, meaning constructive, not to hurt feelings.
2007-10-26 14:02:21 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I certainly think it is possible. I think it depends on the individual, how they understand and practice their beliefs.
I think it is a common misconception that Atheists are not spiritual. I think that assumption and misconception comes from lack of understanding. To someone who firmly believes in G-d it is pretty scary to step outside that comfort zone and learn about beliefs that do not embrace a G-d.
My parents filled my head with garbage about those who were not protestants when I was a child. It was all based on their assumptions. Heck, neither of them even read the Bible! they just assumed this and that because it made sense *to them*. Oh the silly shiz they told me. Psh.
The first thing I did when I learned they were feeding me assumptions was to read the Bible myself. It certainly didn't say the things they said it did.
There a lot of misinformed accusations that Buddhist worship a stature of a fat man. Again,.. psh. People make assumptions about what they don't know or understand.
Many Atheists are spiritual. That is why they are here in R&S. To assume they have no place here, which is asserted quite often, is an assumption based on ignorance.
2007-10-26 14:00:35 · answer #4 · answered by Peace Yo 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Spirituality can be defined in many ways, in early philosophical thought, shown threw eastern religions and philosophies, spirituality was defined as mastering the mind and learning more about the human condition and self perception. Buddhists, which could be considered atheists, in this regard, or at least those who practice the religion with patience and regularity, of course are very spiritually evolved.
I don't think people should be defined by what they believe, it is often, especially in monotheistic religions, simply a result of child indoctrination. I think spirituality takes work, not simply belief. I can state I believe in anything, but without work and absorbing myself in those beliefs and portraying them outwardly in my life, it would mean nothing.
2007-10-26 13:45:47 · answer #5 · answered by Jett 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Definitely. Atheists don't need a god, book, or list to tell us not to lie, steal, hurt, and kill people. We are naturally good and enlightened enough to have figured it out on our own.
Atheists are some of the MOST spiritual people on the planet. That doesn't require a belief in supernatural forces, although many atheists do. The only "requirement" for being an atheist is the disbelief in gods.
2007-10-26 13:48:13 · answer #6 · answered by gelfling 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don’t think most atheists would use the word “spiritual.” “Spiritual” implies something beyond observable reality. I do not believe that I have a spirit or a soul or anything like that. I could be wrong, but I have no evidence of one. However, I think it is very possible that an atheist can be a better person than a Christian.
2007-10-26 13:44:00 · answer #7 · answered by Biggus Dickus 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I think it depends on what you mean by "spiritually evolved."
If being "spiritually evolved" means being kind, charitable, wise, just, patient, and loving, then yes, atheists can be more spiritually evolved than theists.
If being "spiritually evolved" means being very devoted to a particular God, or very committed to a religion, then no.
It might help to refine your wording.
2007-10-26 13:51:13 · answer #8 · answered by kriosalysia 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you consider we are left to find our own spirituality and place in the Universe, this may ring true. Although I think the tool used for spirituality measurement is still being developed, to ensure accurate calculations.
2007-10-26 13:51:25 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's hard to generalize a whole group of people, but it is possible that some could be because:
A. They probably have given a great deal of thought and study to their (non)belief system; it is not likely to just be a "default" position.
B. Some (by no means all, especially on R&S) seem to be willing to allow others freedom of choice.
2007-10-26 13:45:05 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋