Atheists Can Be Spiritual Too, What Do You Think?
[google.com]
I like the term “spiritual”, and I say that I am spiritual. I don’t care if it sounds religious because I am religious in a certain way.
From the article:
“The problem is that spirituality isn't one thing; it is two things. It is the feeling we get "when we are truly in relationship with others" and that "deep sense of incomprehensibility at the wonder of sheer existence." To put it simply, spirituality is the feeling of deep connection we have towards one another and with the universe in general.”
The wonder of sheer existence—that’s me. Good article, thanks.
I agree with article, but still take issue with the word spirituality....connectivity, would suit me better. I will never call myself spiritual, I don’t feel spiritual, but I do feel an inter connectivity with my fellow human beings and the natural world. Others may call it something else, or even call it spirituality, just not me.
@ProudMerrie Yes...I think that is probably why I shy away from the word spirituality...although I’m not really bothered by religious terminology as a rule, probably because I was never under their influence at any time.
Some Christians are offended by my calling hiking "a transcendent experience." They believe "transcendent" means their god.
Transcendent (dictionary.com)
adjective
"going beyond ordinary limits; surpassing; exceeding."
@LiterateHiker Why they think that they need to take offence on god’s behalf is beyond me! Anyway we know that the wonders of the natural world can be awe inspiring and take us beyond the ordinary limits of our normal understanding.....without needing to attribute it to a mythical being.
Good point.
@Marionville Yup, go out on a clear starry night or look through a telescope at a galaxy 25 million light years away - spiritual indeed.
Hiking is a transcendent, uplifting experience for me. I feel happy and centered high in the mountains.
"I see the joy on your face when you are hiking," my friend Rich said yesterday.
Of course atheists can be spiritual. Mountains are my sanctuary.
Nice pics. Maybe uplifting could be construed as spiritual, your choice what you call it.