Spirituality and atheism

[bennyboy]

@benny:

You originally claimed that the word 'spirituality' was uniquely well suited to what Harris is attempting to describe. I hope we won't have to have an extended discussion about whether or not words like 'unique' and the phrase 'best captures' can be plainly understood. Despite a lot of words, you haven't shown how the term is uniquely well suited, and why, but rather appear to have fallen back on your standard tactic of obfuscation. If you don't have an answer, I won't mind. I get the impression that happens to you a lot.

I do in fact think that "spirituality" is a good choice for describing certain kinds of experience. You can look at descriptions of religious experience through history, and realize that while factual attributions of source are clearly false, the nature of many of the experiences have common themes: a sense of one-ness with the rest of creation, a sense of exceptional tranquility, etc. Harris is shedding the dogma while recognizing that the kinds of experiences he's talking about have a history.

You think I'm arguing precision where there is none? You don't think "spirituality" is the best word for the kind of activities and experiences Harris talks about? Fine. Suggest another one.

I'd prefer you leave the insults or personal generalizations untyped though-- they really don't add much to the argument.