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The Spiritual Atheist   written & read by Mike Earl

Perhaps no two words in the English language evoke more opposite impressions than do the words, spirituality and atheism. Is a 'spiritual atheist' even possible? Mike Earl thinks so. In fact, he insists that his own spiritual life began in earnest only after he had become an atheist. Spirituality is traditionally thought to be a product of one's relationship with god - especially some kind of personal god. Earl prefers to view spirituality in the naturalistic context of one's relationship with reality. In this context the atheist enjoys two distinct advantages over his theistic counterpart. First, the atheist is under no obligation to embrace ideas that are clearly at odds with reality. And second, his mind is free to construct a belief system based purely on the evidence of reality. Thus, his mind is free to adapt to reality. The end result? A more harmonious relationship with reality. A more spiritual life! The Spiritual Atheist is a fresh (and bold) treatment of a subject that for too long has been assumed to be the exclusive domain of religion. Serious at times, humorous at others, thought-provoking throughout. The Spiritual Atheist shines new light on a timeless subject.

Topics include: What is Spirituality? 5 spiritual experiences available to the atheist. The spiritual experience of understanding. The power of reductionist thinking. Science and the experience of spiritual awakening. Why Atheism? Why religious belief is often the greatest obstacle to spiritual growth. 3 kinds of faith. Why a "relationship with god" is impossible. 2 ways to become one with the universe. Integrity from top to bottom. The test-tube god. Religious belief and the functionally insane. Music, Sports, and Spirituality. An evolutionary approach to meditation. Your "higher" self and your "lower" self. Atheism and a new age of spiritual enlightenment. (3 hours)

Listen now >>   Part 1    Part 2    Part 3    Part 4   (180 minutes)

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