religious atheism (rituals, morals, mysticism, Buddhism, beliefs)

[spiritually inclined]

This is a thread I have posted elsewhere, but I thought it would be good for this forum, too:

I am an atheist with spiritual inclinations. I've always had them. However, I'm not quite sure where I'm going on my path as far as religion is concerned. I would like to learn about and experience more that is out there.

If there are any religious/spiritual atheists/agnostics here, I would like your take on where you are on your paths.

As for me, I'm interested in secular ritual and have developed my own. It's as simple as adding a symbolic meaning to something like showering, or, if you want, it can be more elaborate.

I'm also interested in philosophy and very concerned with morals and treating others with kindness. (I believe that morals are built-in to human nature and enhance our lives.) I am interested in possibly finding a religious community eventually, but I'm not sure. I'm very reluctant after my experience of Pentecostalism.

Any insight into religious naturalism or other religious atheistic paths would be very appreciated.

Thanks,
James

[Kungfuzed]

Originally Posted by spiritually inclined

This is a thread I have posted elsewhere, but I thought it would be good for this forum, too:

I am an atheist with spiritual inclinations. I've always had them. However, I'm not quite sure where I'm going on my path as far as religion is concerned. I would like to learn about and experience more that is out there.

If there are any religious/spiritual atheists/agnostics here, I would like your take on where you are on your paths.

As for me, I'm interested in secular ritual and have developed my own. It's as simple as adding a symbolic meaning to something like showering, or, if you want, it can be more elaborate.

I'm also interested in philosophy and very concerned with morals and treating others with kindness. (I believe that morals are built-in to human nature and enhance our lives.) I am interested in possibly finding a religious community eventually, but I'm not sure. I'm very reluctant after my experience of Pentecostalism.

Any insight into religious naturalism or other religious atheistic paths would be very appreciated.

Thanks,
James

I'm also exploring my spiritual inclinations. I have no rituals but I do have an appreciation for the world I'm living in. You'll find a vast amount of information here on just about any religion or belief system you want to look into. I'm not quite sure what religious naturalism is, perhaps a naturalist who goes to church? I really have no idea where your beliefs lie other than your desire to be both secular and spiritual. My background is also from Christianity. Here I've learned a little about Hindu, Buddhism, Naturalism, Secular Humanism, Pantheism and am still working my way around to learning about all the others. So much to learn and so little time.

[mr.guy]

I hate to break it to y'all, but so far as ritual goes atheists are only allowed to have gay orgies and eat babies at anti-war demonstrations.

[spiritually inclined]

I hate to break it to y'all, but so far as ritual goes atheists are only allowed to have gay orgies and eat babies at anti-war demonstrations.

Damn!

[Pariah]

Religious atheism does not seem feasible from logical terms - ritual is only useful insofar as represents something higher - whereas atheists disavow the existence of the "supernatural". Unless your idea of higher is something else than a god or divine presence/force.

If you are interested, find the Mysticism forum:
Individual Religions > Other Religious Movements and Practices > Mysticism, would be a great place to start.

[MaddLlama]

You might want to check out this too: http://www.pantheism.net/

[spiritually inclined]

Actually, ritual doesn't have to represent something "higher" at all. Ritual can be something as simple as giving structure, comfort, and routine to the day. (Like having a cup of coffee every morning.)

I've read that when we act something out in ritual, our brain interprets the experience as though we really had it, and not just acted it out ritually. So when you're washing in the shower you could imagine that you're washing away stress, anxiety...you start to look forward to your daily ritual, and I've found that it helps.

So I wouldn't think that ritual has to represent anything "higher" or even religious for that matter.

James

[spiritually inclined]

Thanks for the link!

James

[Jayhawker Soule]

I think "religious atheism" places far too much emphasis on "atheism". Religious naturalism, on the other hand, represents a spectrum of coherent philosophies (ontologies). You may wish to investigate UU.

[rojse]

I am an aetheist, but I don't have any rituals or the like, or see any greater significance behind