I agree with Harris that religion has claimed an undeserved monopoly on spirituality and that we can gain the benefits without the woo. Spirituality can mean very natural things understood at the level of the brain, from emotional well-being to a sense of meaning and accomplishment in this life. None of this requires that we follow any religion or embrace any beliefs in magic.
The very word "psychology" translates to study of the spirit. If by spirit, we mean our conscious selves, then yes, spirituality can be a good thing and requires no woo. Helping ourselves to gain a better state of mind can allow us to live healthier and more fulfilling lives.
It reminds me of "The Secret" and how, in the midst of all that woo crap, there is some really good advice: get clear on what your goal is and have confidence you can accomplish it. Even doing nothing else, just getting clear on what we want makes us more likely to attain it and having the confidence we can certainly doesn't hurt either. It's not magic or wishing or "the universe grants you yatta yatta". It's just cause and effect and it's quite easy to understand.
I sometimes wonder if free thinkers could establish a "Church of Reason" that would duplicate the fellowship and provide a place for milestone of life rituals (such as marriage) that religion traditionally provides without any dogma or woo.
The very word "psychology" translates to study of the spirit. If by spirit, we mean our conscious selves, then yes, spirituality can be a good thing and requires no woo. Helping ourselves to gain a better state of mind can allow us to live healthier and more fulfilling lives.
It reminds me of "The Secret" and how, in the midst of all that woo crap, there is some really good advice: get clear on what your goal is and have confidence you can accomplish it. Even doing nothing else, just getting clear on what we want makes us more likely to attain it and having the confidence we can certainly doesn't hurt either. It's not magic or wishing or "the universe grants you yatta yatta". It's just cause and effect and it's quite easy to understand.
I sometimes wonder if free thinkers could establish a "Church of Reason" that would duplicate the fellowship and provide a place for milestone of life rituals (such as marriage) that religion traditionally provides without any dogma or woo.
Atheist Forums Hall of Shame:
"The trinity can be equated to having your cake and eating it too."
... -Lucent, trying to defend the Trinity concept
"(Yahweh's) actions are good because (Yahweh) is the ultimate standard of goodness. That’s not begging the question"
... -Statler Waldorf, Christian apologist
"The trinity can be equated to having your cake and eating it too."
... -Lucent, trying to defend the Trinity concept
"(Yahweh's) actions are good because (Yahweh) is the ultimate standard of goodness. That’s not begging the question"
... -Statler Waldorf, Christian apologist
