Secular Sprituality

Since my adventures at the Parliament of the World's Religions I've actually developed a narcissitic fascination in my own spirituality: atheism. In my last meeting with Rabbi Irwin Kula he told me that one Isreali Rabbi had postulated that atheism was the purest form of spirituality because it sort to strip away all dogma and idolatry to reach the true essence of spiritualism.

While I agree that that's what I seek to do... I nonetheless believe that does not accurately describe every atheist I know. Although I suspect many strong atheists wouldn't disagree either.

During the interview with the Rabbi I realised what his telos was in life. He was an expert on human experience and empathy. This allows him to be charismatic, also he sees the purpose of his charismatic talent to inspire people to resist their insecurities and fears with courage and wisdom. A noble endeavour in my opinion because the death of baseless fears would end the destructive influence of reactionary and conservative elements on our political system, while for the individual allow positive personal development to occur because once they are free from feeling fear, they are free to feel different emotions.

So I too seek what Kula seeks, however, to date I've only been seeking it within myself. But since I believe in his cause I've decided in my own small way to share my insights, the sights of a secular spirituality. That is spirituality apart from religion.

Because we atheists have a deep and rich cultural life it would also be my pleasure to share this with the world to help other people learn and understand that we're not so different after all. One thing we all have in common is a need to defend ourselves against the deluge of uncertainty life pours down on us throughout our lives.

We atheists have the same worries and anxieties as every other human being, and while speaking on behalf of all other atheists is beyond my capabilities. I will speak for the atheists I do know and about how we deal with these uncertainities in life from the beginning to the end of our days.