rhonjon

Jody Lee wrote:
@everyone (because I’m not sure anymore who is debating what) So because I’m atheist, I can’t use the word ‘spiritual’ to describe something that doesn’t relate to a God?

You can use it, but the only way to avoid having to defend is not to use it here. This is what we do here. We discuss and challenge people’s notions and the lan…[Read more]

I do think that we ALL know deep down that we are connected to “God”/”The Great Sprit” whatever you want to call “it/him/her.”

I mean really…you have totally lost all intellectual dignity when you resort to bullshit like this. I could easily say “I do think that ALL religious people know deep down that their preposterous childish beliefs are…[Read more]

So because I’m atheist, I can’t use the word ‘spiritual’ to describe something that doesn’t relate to a God?

We’re adults. And as atheists I’d say, in a sense, we are also more adult-like in some intellectual ways. And adults get to make up their own rules. So no, there is nothing stopping you from using spiritual if you like. I simply recommend…[Read more]

Our vibrating mass of molecules that we call our bodies, our subconscious and conscious minds, the variety of frequencies we experience….that’s spiritual, the essence of living to me. On a small scale.

connection to something bigger…

What is this “bigger than ourselves” thing that you can connect to?

My ego-bound consciousness?? I think I should build a bridge and get over myself as I am much too Yung to be a Freud.

Reg the Fronkey Farmer wrote:
Can you give an example of the descriptive value of “spiritual” in a sentence that some other word would not more precisely convey what you mean?

“Spiritual practice” such as meditation.  This refers to at least two meanings of the word spiritual: relating to well-being, and connection to something bigger (the pres…[Read more]

Jody Lee wrote:
I can’t use the word ‘spiritual’ to describe something that doesn’t relate to a God?

I do it all the time.

@Jody.

Firstly our conversations do tend to digress but usually we get back on track again. It is all down to the meaning of words. Any philosophical conversation that does not have precise meanings attached to the main words used tends to wander.

Can you give an example of the descriptive value of “spiritual” in a sentence that some other wor…[Read more]

Exactly. Theists believe something greater than themselves is the center of, and driving force of the universe.

No, theists don’t. Deists do. Theists believe the driving power behind the Universe is an all knowing creator god and that they have a personal relationship with that god.

I understand (rather than believe on faith) that the Universe…[Read more]

@everyone (because I’m not sure anymore who is debating what)

So because I’m atheist, I can’t use the word ‘spiritual’ to describe something that doesn’t relate to a God?

Theists believe something greater…

Yeah, that’s another problem…assigning greatness as if humans comprehend some universal ranking system. Is a star greater than a flower? Theists claim god-giving dominion over all earthly things and that attitude is bringing us that fucking Armageddon only the truest theists actually long for.

Atheists call natural experiences “natural” and from them they find the greatness of humanity. Theists call natural experiences “spiritual” and find the greatness of their God.

Exactly. Theists believe something greater than themselves is the center of, and driving force of the universe. They may ALL disagree as to what to call it, but they ac…[Read more]

@Reg

It’s not that I go through the trouble of labeling…

Humans have “gone through the trouble” of labeling these things since our existence. I don’t dismiss that as trivial or ascribe to the “god of the gaps” explanation. I think that is way too simplistic.

@Unseen

I always love (resent) it when people claim to know me better than I know myself

I wasn’t talking to you specifically

Unseen wrote:
If there IS a God/Great Spirit, why does he let children get hit by cars or abused by cruel parents.

You’re right.  Assuming that the God/Great Spirit exists, then IT does allow children to get hit by cars and abused by cruel parents.

I agree with @Reg

Reg the Fronkey Farmer wrote:
Whatever “IT” is, it is natural.

In this case…[Read more]

I think you are connected to it you just don’t recognize or acknowledge it for what it is. You call it something else.

Again you are making assumptions about me. Wrong, I just don’t recognize it as you do. Whatever “IT” is, it is natural. I recognize these connections as natural phenomena. Basically they are products of how my brain reacts…[Read more]

Ivy wrote:
I think you are connected to it you just don’t recognize or acknowledge it for what it is. You call it something else.

I always love (resent) it when people claim to know me better than I know myself.

But let’s turn things around. If there IS a God/Great Spirit, why does he let children get hit by cars or abused by cruel parents. W…[Read more]

Ivy wrote:
I do think that we ALL know deep down that we are connected to “God”/”The Great Sprit” whatever you want to call “it/him/her.”

You don’t speak for me.

@Reg

Fine if you think that but I do not believe in gods so I cannot feel connected to whatever you are trying to call it.

I think you are connected to it you just don’t recognize or acknowledge it for what it is. You call it something else.

I understand that all life is connected. At least it is for me.

So connected that we must literally eat each other. That bacon, string bean, or potato in your belly is proof of our connection. The shared process of evolution that has brought all living things here, together..such that looking at just about any animal embryo it is hard to tell what…[Read more]