“Atheist” refers to the lack of a belief in gods. “Spiritual” includes all sorts of other supernatural notions, like ghosts, non-physical minds, souls, magic, animistic spirits, mystical energies, etc. Also, “spiritual” can refer to a way of looking at the world exemplified by religions that some atheists consider a vital part of the human experience.
I’ve noticed some people using “spiritual” to describe notions they consider aesthetically sublime and morally uplifting but not well understood, when they are not particularly motivated to understand them, without any commitment to their being supernatural. This may be what you refer to in your second meaning, I’m not sure.
There is, of course, a lot of potential overlap here with supernatural notions.
“Atheist” refers to the lack of a belief in gods. “Spiritual” includes all sorts of other supernatural notions, like ghosts, non-physical minds, souls, magic, animistic spirits, mystical energies, etc. Also, “spiritual” can refer to a way of looking at the world exemplified by religions that some atheists consider a vital part of the human experience.
I’ve noticed some people using “spiritual” to describe notions they consider aesthetically sublime and morally uplifting but not well understood, when they are not particularly motivated to understand them, without any commitment to their being supernatural. This may be what you refer to in your second meaning, I’m not sure.
There is, of course, a lot of potential overlap here with supernatural notions.
Yes, that’s roughly what I was referring to.
So, a person who doesn’t believe in god, but still thinks that he has an “immortal soul” or something? Thanks for explaining!