Pete Walker Posted February 21, 2013 Posted February 21, 2013 What does it mean when atheists say "spiritual problem"? I've heard it repeatedly from Stef and other self-proclaimed atheists. As soon as I can bookmark a YouTube or similar source I'll add it and others as a comment here, because I keep hearing it. Not trying to be a pain, just trying to understand.
Alan C. Posted February 21, 2013 Posted February 21, 2013 I've never used that phrase and I don't recall hearing it before. I don't know what it means.
Rick Horton Posted February 21, 2013 Posted February 21, 2013 I've never used that phrase and I don't recall hearing it before. I don't know what it means. I think I've heard it said, although not "necessarily" by Mr. M. Here is the definition of spirituality from dictionary.com spir·it·u·al [spir-i-choo-uhl] Show IPA adjective 1. of, pertaining to, or consisting of spirit; incorporeal. 2. of or pertaining to the spirit or soul, as distinguished from the physical nature: a spiritual approach tolife. 3. closely akin in interests, attitude, outlook, etc.: the professor's spiritual heir in linguistics. 4. of or pertaining to spirits or to spiritualists; supernatural or spiritualistic. 5. characterized by or suggesting predominance of the spirit; ethereal or delicately refined: She is moreof a spiritual type than her rowdy brother. ------ I see how it would fit by studying the definitions and noticing that number 3 would be the definition that makes sense with an atheist statement. By first looking up the definition to make sure there is a problem, I realize that there is no error in using that word. Since the dictionary reflects definitions of words that are widely used, there are enough people who understand the usage of spirituality in this alternative context for atheists to communicate something about there core and refer to it with maybe a term of respect, or reverence to the mere core itself, of reason. It's an eloquent way to say you have a problem with your very reasoning. You have this struggle that you feel you must overcome so you can continue an honorable, fulfilling life as you journey through your actions and decisions.
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