EXTREMELY IMPORTANT NOTES
1) Spiritual Atheism is not a specific philosophy; it is a CLASSIFICATION OF PHILOSOPHIES. For example, just as Christianity is one form of Theism; Pantheism is one form of Spiritual Atheism. Many Spiritual Atheists naturally develop their own philosophy that is a form of Spiritual Atheism.
2) "Spiritual Atheism" and "Non-Literal Theism" are different terms for the same philosophical classification. People tend to use the term that best describes their orientation.
3) The goal of this web site is not to provide people with a specific spiritual philosophy (that is one's own responsibility); but, rather, to acknowledge and encourage all enlightened philosophies.
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As you know, traditional Theists believe in a literal "God" who supposedly created and rules the universe; while traditional Atheists reject the idea of "God" altogether.
Generally, Spiritual Atheists are people who do not believe in a literal "God" (thus the term "Atheist"), but still consider themselves to be (often deeply) "Spiritual" people.
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 "supernatural".
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.
For Spiritual Atheists, being "spiritual" means (at the very least) to have thoughts, words, and actions that are in harmony with the idea that the entire universe is, in some way, connected; at the very least by the mystical flow of cause and effect at every scale. And as science evolves; so, too, will our understanding.
Spiritual Atheists generally recognize the word "God" as a personal name that has been given to the collective personality* of the infinite and eternal universe; just as your personal name is the name that has been given to your individual personality*. Even so, many Spiritual Atheists are extremely reluctant to make use of the word "God", due to the extreme desecration it has suffered by Theists and Atheists alike.
*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.
In summary, SPIRITUAL ATHEISTS are people who are:
1) ATHEISTS
Spiritual Atheists do not believe in the existence of an entity external to the universe that supposedly created and rules the universe.
2) SPIRITUAL
Spiritual Atheists believe that the entire universe is, in some way, connected; at the very least by the mystical flow of cause and effect at every scale. Therefore, Spiritual Atheists generally feel that as they go about their lives striving to be personally healthy and happy, they should also be striving to help the world around them be healthy and happy! ("Wholistic Ethics")
If you would like to learn more about the significance of Spiritual Atheism as a classification or if you are actively looking for the right path to enlightenment for you, please take a look at this page. There are many different and valid paths that lead to personal enlightenment. Every person should choose and follow the path that they believe is best for their own current perspective and circumstances.
If you are already enlightened, please help spread the word about this web site. Thank you!
ARTICLES & BOOKS ABOUT SPIRITUAL ATHEISM
Remember, "Spiritual Atheism" is a classification and not a specific philosophy. The following articles, books, and movies represent their creator's specific philosophy; which they have self-classified as a form of "Spiritual Atheism". The Center for Global Enlightenment does not endorse any of these articles, books, and movies; and their creators may not endorse The Center for Global Enlightenment.
Articles about Spiritual Atheism
Articles by Soren Sorensen (aka "The Spiritual Atheist")
Books about Spiritual Atheism
DISCLAIMER: I am the author of the first three books shown below. Also, these are affiliate links.
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