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Atheism/What is Spirituality?
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Question
Hello. I'm writing a paper (What is spirituality?) for my college undergraduate course on Adult Spirituality. Would appreciate your insight.
What is spirituality? Must the definition be religious based? What is spirituality to an atheist, and an agnostic?
The definition of spirituality varies from person to person. Some define it as a set of strong emotions and others define it as having to do with souls, spirits, and other supernatural entities.
No, it doesn't have to be religious in nature. You might find this book useful:
http://atheism.about.com/library/books/full/aafprSpiritualNotReligious.htm
If an atheist is spiritual, the definition of the term will tend towards the "strong emotion" side. He or she might experience "spirituality" while gazing at the night sky, at a newborn baby, or some other wonder of nature.
I hope some of the above helps...
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Answers by Expert:
Austin Cline
Expertise
I can address questions regarding atheism, agnosticism, skepticism, humanism, religious philosophy & history, and arguments both for and against theism. I am also familiar with many of the skeptical and atheist resources in print and on the internet.
Experience
I have been an atheist and a secular humanist for many years. I actively run a site about agnosticism & atheism and attempt to help people understand more about these topics. I have made extensive study of both philosophy and of a wide vareity of religions.
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I belong to the Freedom From Religion Foundation and the Council for Secular Humanism.
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My writings appear every week on the Agnosticism/Atheism site
Education/Credentials
I have a BA from the University of Pennsylvania and an MA from Princeton University. I have also studied in Germany and Switzerland.
Awards and Honors
Phi Beta Kappa and a Fulbright Scholar.
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