Spiritual

[PaulS]

 

17 hours ago, Kellerman said:

So to put it simply, I see spirituality as a connection to something beyond myself and my own neural reactions to it, which I cannot and feel no inclination to try and prove. 

Thanks Kellerman.  I wasn't asking for any 'proof' - just interested to know how you determined that spirituality goes well beyond just your personal neural responses. I'm not all that unfamiliar with the response that  *some* people have this way of knowing while others don't, which is partly why I ask the question - I'm just seeking to clarify how it might not just be more neural responses, individuality seeming to me to be the key rather than 'spirituality' that is only knowable by some for some reason.  For me personally, your answer doesn't adequately address that, but that's okay.  I'm only asking the question.

[Kellerman]

5 hours ago, PaulS said:

 

Thanks Kellerman.  I wasn't asking for any 'proof' - just interested to know how you determined that spirituality goes well beyond just your personal neural responses. I'm not all that unfamiliar with the response that  *some* people have this way of knowing while others don't, which is partly why I ask the question - I'm just seeking to clarify how it might not just be more neural responses, individuality seeming to me to be the key rather than 'spirituality' that is only knowable by some for some reason.  For me personally, your answer doesn't adequately address that, but that's okay.  I'm only asking the question.

I gave an example of entire cultures who perceive spirituality as going beyond their individual experiences and even beyond human or living being experiences. 

For you, that's just more examples of individuals having their own perceptions, for me, it's an example of humans who are tapped into something larger than themselves. 

That's why I say I cannot and don't endeavour to prove it. I can't answer your question to any degree of satisfaction, because if it's totally reasonable and rational for someone to write off the experience and just neural perception. 

I know because I'm a former atheist, and no one would have been able to answer the question you asked me to any degree that would satisfy me. 

There's no way for me or anyone else of faith to provide any evidence that our experience of connection to something more than ourselves isn't just a delusion or trick of the brain. 

[John Hunt]

Interesting and helpful, thanks.

[PaulS]

16 hours ago, Kellerman said:

That's why I say I cannot and don't endeavour to prove it. I can't answer your question to any degree of satisfaction, because if it's totally reasonable and rational for someone to write off the experience and just neural perception. 

No problem.  I do sincerely thankyou for trying anyhow.