definition of spiritual

[bobo0100]

I have never heard spiritual used in a way that is not a kin to bull shit

This line is one I have used numerous times in trying to find a definition to the term. It occurred to me that I have only addressed this to theist's. I'm aware of a movement from within the atheist community in favour of atheistic spirituality. Surely the word can be used to refer to some BS theory but I am interested in what's meant when not used in other ways.

[brimstoneSalad]

Have you read (or watched) Sam Harris on the topic?

[garrethdsouza]

Unlike intercessionary prayer, spirituality has been shown to have positive benneficial effects. So if its an additional psychological/cognitive construct, even if its not necessarily worldly/rational but relies on make belief, it may have some benefits so in a utilitarian sense it may be beneficial to be spiritual.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spiritu ... c_research
Health and well-being
Various studies have reported a positive correlation between spirituality and mental well-being in both healthy people and those encountering a range of physical illnesses or psychological disorders.[124][125][126][127] Spiritual individuals tend to be optimistic, report greater social support,[128] and experience higher intrinsic meaning in life,[129] strength, and inner peace.[130]

When Sam Harris talks about spirituality as far as I know he generally talks about some sense of wonder of the universe, which I find hard to reconcile with what is actually meant traditionally by spirituality and it doesn't even serve the samne purpose that of - well being using unreal cognitive constructs, IMO he misses the point.

[brimstoneSalad]

He talks about the spiritual experiences, e.g. of meditation. There are real measurable effects of those mental states.

Dawkins talks about wonder of the universe more.