With this definition, most atheists are probably more or less spiritual. Atheism, in general, the critique and denial of metaphysical beliefs in God or spiritual beings. All content published on this website is intended for informational purposes only. The butterfly effect tells us that the tiniest of actions, such as a butterfly flapping its wings, can have massive impacts. Believing in some afterlife does not exclude you from being an atheist. In spiritual terms, this means a spiritual atheist is more compassionate and considerate of the world around them as well as themselves. *It is very interesting to note that while many question the validity of the universe's personality; surprisingly few (presently) recognize the value of questioning the validity of their own! If you put good into the universe, you will have a good life in return. These values dictate their behavior in order to create positive karma for themselves and add positivity to the world around them. Spiritual Atheists believe that nothing that exists or happens violates the nature of the universe; they believe that all such things only further define the nature of the universe. In our modern times, religion is becoming less popular, especially among young people. Learning Mind is a blog created by Anna LeMind, B.A., with the purpose to give you food for thought and solutions for understanding yourself and living a more meaningful life. Enjoyed the reading. passionate about the way we think and the human mind since she developed chronic anxiety many years ago. Usually when people use it they mean something similar to, but nevertheless very distinct from, religion. Spirituality is born in a person and develops in the person. Others, such as Einstein, regard spiritual as the awe produced by contemplation of the cosmos. The belief in an afterlife but not a God or Gods. Spiritual atheism encourages self-betterment, while some complain that religion does not. Spiritual atheists govern their own lives using their own rules, which typically develop around their core values and priorities. They may practice meditation to help them understand themselves and discover their true purpose. The problem with answering whether atheists are spiritual or not is that the term "spiritual" is so vague and ill-defined most of the time. Atheism and pantheism really are mutually exclusive. Antitheism has been adopted as a label by those who regard theism as dangerous, destructive, or encouraging of harmful behavior. Between this and their values and morals, a spiritual atheist will devote their lives to achieving these goals and living as fully and as well as possible. A spiritual atheist is someone who, unlike a religious person, does not believe in any “God”. He says: “We are all connected; To each other, biologically. Many atheists are spiritual people. It is often assumed to be connected to religions, but some might disagree. However as far as different kinds of theism goes pantheism (and also deism) is propably the closest to atheism because their god doesn't really do much and is nondescript. Conversely, lone rangers who continually church hop or live without being in covenant or accountability with spiritual leadership live as functional atheists. They work towards enlightenment, which will allow them to discover their true purpose on this Earth. The issue of an all-powerful and almost supernatural “god” choosing who lives or dies or suffers and succeeds is widely debated. © Learning Mind 2012-2020 | All Rights Reserved |, What Is a Spiritual Atheist and What It Means to Be One, Conversational Narcissism: How to Deal with People Who Have This Annoying Trait, How Digital Literacy Sets You Up for Success and Ways to Improve It. The best and most concise definition I found was on their website, The Center for Spiritual Atheism. They believe the universe governs itself through actions and intentions. We could also say that an atheist is someone who believes in God but lacks the conceptual framework, the attitude, the curiosity of exploration, and the language to express it. Mmm that's not really a definition per se. So you might consider any combination of the following terms: Realistic/Unrealistic, Spiritual/Natural, Theist/Atheist and Religious/Secular. Spirituality allows us to stay connected to the universe and each other without the obstacle’s religion brings. Spiritual atheists believe each person has a soul that should be tended to, and a hard to define spirit which flows amongst us, similar to the energy, but more personal and unique to the individual. Spiritual Atheism is a philosophical classification. That depends upon the definition of the word “Atheism” that one adheres to. Why would HE give us this gift? the assertion that deities do not exist), or the deliberate rejection of theism (i.e., the refusal to believe in the existence of deities). To be clear: Atheism is not a disbelief in gods or a denial of gods; it is a lack of belief in gods. “So HIS house will be full. It offers freedom and opportunities for all individuals to pursue their dreams. 3) "Spiritual Atheism" and "Non-Literal Theism" are different terms for the same philosophical classification. It depends on the definition of spiritual. “I’m not religious: my karma ran over my dogma…” — anon A spiritual atheist is like a spiritual theist but without the God part. To the earth, chemically. It may be far in the future or far away, but every action has a reaction. Stupid Argument #1: The etymology of the word “atheism” means “a lack of belief”. It also brings comfort to the suffering we don’t feel we deserve, by explaining that the universe cannot always be predicted. I often ask people with a somewhat open mind how is it any life form doesn’t have a “battery.” How is it that zillions of atoms not only hold together but allow such a life form like humans? Spirituality is chosen while religion is often times forced. A spiritual atheist is self-aware, sympathetic individual who awaits a deeper hidden connection with other individuals and nature. The earliest citation given for this meaning dates from 1833. Can an atheist be a spiritual person, and if so, in what sense? Like any religion, atheism is somewhat difficult to accurately define. For matters such as the clothes we wear and even the food we eat, religion can feel outdated. The Bible shows time again that there is wisdom in trusting the Lord. The advances in science can make religion seem unappealing, and yet still, we crave meaning. And atheism does not equal a disbelief and scepticism in all things spiritual & metaphysical. I am very glad that I came across this post. There will always be self-identified adherents who disagree with a single definition. Instead, they believe in a higher consciousness that cannot be represented as a physical being. A spiritual atheist is someone who, unlike a religious person, does not believe in any “God”. Is it meaningful to talk of atheist spirituality, or should the term be reserved for religious believers?This post may end up generating more questions than answers, but that seems fitting for a discussion of spirituality. Instead, they believe in a higher consciousness that cannot be represented as a physical being. The beliefs of spiritual atheists are similar to those of the Buddhists. By continuing to use this website, you consent to the use of cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy. This contrasts with the religious idea that God decides our fate. Religion is a purely human endeavor, and God is simply a projection of a person’s mind. Learn more here. Ultimately, being a spiritual atheist is a way to add meaning and value to your life without relying on the structure of religion and debating the rules it sets. - site Atheists Can Be Spiritual Too. Spiritual atheists find meaning in their lives through devotion to the universe, others and themselves. With this definition, "spiritual atheism" is oxymoronic. So a spiritual theist is one who says they are “spiritual not religious”. In broad strokes, Christian atheism is a spiritual approach using the teachings and example of Jesus while denying the existence of a literal God. the definition of atheism is pretty simple but I am going to have to lean on trans take on this a bit. Atheism means “lack of a belief in gods” or “a belief that there is no god.” But, atheists are not necessarily anti-spiritual, anti-religion, or immoral; many atheists believe that atheism can provide a better foundation for morality and a meaningful life than theism (belief in a god or gods) ("Wholistic Ethics"). Spiritual Atheism can be linked to the Butterfly Effect – both a spiritual and physics-based theory. There is no consensus among Spiritual Atheists regarding the literal existence of one's own "spirit" or a collective "spirit"; however, there is consensus that if any "spirit" does exist, it is not external to the universe and it is not "supernatural". Learning Mind has over 50,000 email subscribers and more than 1,5 million followers on social media. That is why it is so important to clarify what you mean by ‘religious;’ there are many atheists that are religious too. It is often misunderstood as worshiping Buddha, but true believers will note that the intention is to follow in his path, not pray and devote themselves to him. It is the belief that the universe is connected and that our actions, thoughts, and intentions have an impact on ourselves, others and the world around us. I could keep going but just want to share that the LORD has a great gift for atheists – agnostics – anyone with a somewhat open mind to look at the now open book of truth, described in Daniel11truth. 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