Comment

Comment by Lorien on June 22, 2009 at 9:04pm

Yes it is. Mine is absolute science. Prove me wrong! (LOL)

I'm with Dawkins and PZ Myers!

Comment by Nate on June 22, 2009 at 8:42pm

Maybe it's language like "hard core" and "militant" that causes some atheists to identify with naturalistic spirituality? :) You're not suggesting that your atheism is somehow more legitimate, are you?

Comment by shaman sun on June 22, 2009 at 8:42pm

I don't know, Lorien, I always thought that being too into any one concept, worldview or attitude is dangerous. Not having the flexibility of mind, convinced that one view is THE right one... Shouldn't we as atheists, especially, have a skepticism about our own assumptions? Shouldn't we try to be aware of our own bias and ideological memes?

Comment by Lorien on June 22, 2009 at 8:31pm

That doesn't help for sure.... I am just too hard core of an Atheist and militant as well! Having David Suzuki support Pantheism ticks me off too!

Comment by Nate on June 22, 2009 at 8:06pm

Sincerely sorry that you feel that way, Lorien. In what way do you feel that it's divisive? As you can read in any definition of pantheism or naturalistic spirituality there is no worship involved. Is it the use of the word spirituality?

Comment by Lorien on June 22, 2009 at 7:53pm

Wait, I forgot that I worship the flying spaghetti monster. RAmen

I just don't like the idea of Pantheism. I think it divides us.

Comment by shaman sun on June 22, 2009 at 7:40pm

@Lorien: religion does not equate with worship. I think the best way to understand worship is that it is an aspect of many religions, sometimes focused on (such as in ancient, as well as Judeo-Christian religions), sometimes not (such as Chan and Zen). It's a part of religion, but it is not the only thing religion is. Having awe and beauty of nature is one thing, true, and not necessarily religion. However spirituality of nature, or pantheism, or other such claims is more of a claim of synthesis with our spiritual experience, and our scientific knowledge. Both can bring awe and wonder, and may exist without the need to worship nature.

Comment by Nate on June 22, 2009 at 7:29pm

Worship? What the hell are you talking about, Lorien?

Comment by Lorien on June 22, 2009 at 7:21pm

Come on people. We are atheists. Nothing wrong with that! No need to worship anything. I awe at the beauty of Nature too but don't make a religion out of it.

Comment by Chris Highland on June 22, 2009 at 1:30pm

This is an important group, and discussion. I work in theistic circles and as a freethinker enjoy the gentle debates where "natural spirituality" (a phrase I've used for a long time, esp. in my book, Life After Faith) can be an intriguing bridge for the faithful. My recent talk ("sermon") at a local protestant church was surprisingly well-received--and I've been invited back! I have found John Burroughs among the best as a rational companion in Nature. Muir is a good popularizer of this as well.

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