Can you be "spiritual" without religion?

[Jabu_Rule]

That's all and well but we aren't debating the etymology of words. We are discussing the definitions of words as used today and how the context in which they are used changes those definitions. Regardless of what the etymology of the word bright may be, it has different meanings depending on its use.

I'm saying that the meaning for that particular word bright hasn't changed much and the root definition would tell you that. It's still illuminating something. Spirit is still speaking on the expression of energy regardless of its context. It's how something is illuminated and expressed that matters but if what is being described does non of those things, then it is described wrong. I don't see how the definition has changed other then people attempting to put a spin on it. The word nigger was taken to mean ignorant which was a completely incorrect definition even when it was spoken in ignorance. Also, with all of your talk of the dictionary, you were in here yourself giving your own definition of the word. Are we about that dictionary life or aren't we?

 

[Jabu_Rule]

Here is a more focused write up to summarize what I'm speaking on. Not saying he is absolutely write, but there is an argument to be made on the concept of the word.
http://atheism.about.com/od/atheismquestions/a/Spirituality.htm

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. Usually when people use it they mean something similar to, but nevertheless very distinct from, religion. This is probably an improper usage because there are very good reasons to think that spirituality is more a type of religion than anything else.

So what does this mean when it comes to whether atheists can be spiritual or not? If the general usage is mistaken and spirituality really is best described as a highly personalized and privatized religious belief system, then the answer to the question is clearly "yes." Atheism is not only compatible with the adoption of a public, organized religious belief system, it is also compatible with the adoption of a very personal and private religious faith.

In the end, all of this vagueness prevents the concept of spirituality from carrying a great deal of cognitive content. It does, however, carry emotional content — much of what people describe as "spirituality" seems to have much more to do with emotional than intellectual reactions to events and experiences. So, when a person is using the term, they are more likely trying to convey something about their emotions and their emotional reactions to things than a coherent set of beliefs and ideas.

 

[Bodhi]

I'm saying that the meaning for that particular word bright hasn't changed much and the root definition would tell you that. It's still illuminating something.

The etymology does not matter. I'm showing that depending on context, a word has different meanings. When saying the sun is bright, I don't mean that the sun is intelligent. To say that makes no sense. However, that is still what the word bright means when used in such a manner. The etymology of the word is irrelevant.

In addition, if you look up the word illuminate, you will see that that word, too, has various meanings, again, depending on context.

Also, with all of your talk of the dictionary, you were in here yourself giving your own definition of the word. Are we about that dictionary life or aren't we?

I'm only speaking about the dictionary because those definitions you had a problem with were pulled from the dictionary. Had you spoken on my own personal definitions, I suppose we wouldn't be talking about the dictionary.

 

[Bodhi]

Spirit is metaphysical regardless of how you push it.

Not necessarily. Spirit can also mean:

a : prevailing tone or tendency

b : general intent or real meaning



Which has nothing to do with spirit in the sense of

: a supernatural being or essence

The etymology of spirit is breath or to breathe which is quite different from its multiple definitions in usage today.

What that energy is and whether it can exist beyond our physical form is the heart of the argument. I can't see how it can be applied differently. it still finds it's way into other religions (not god based).

As previously stated, my definition of spirit would be the vital essence of a person which as mentioned earlier, does not necessarily have to relate to an eternal soul or the supernatural.

That is why I used vipassana meditation as an example of a spiritual practice because it is an observation of that which is within -- the vital essence, which in this case, is not supernatural and is neither religious.

 

[Ajackson17]

Spirituality is implied by the kundalini or chakra energy. In essence its meditation which does not mean to be religion or dogmatic thinking.

 

[Jabu_Rule]

I'm just gonna leave this here and let y'all debate your stolen safe word.

 

[Bodhi]

Ok.

 

[Sour-Cream]

Na, you believe in something therefore its a religion. Even atheism is a religion about the denial of a god and the belief in evolution.