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Sure! Here's a paraphrased summary of “Should Skeptics Abandon Spirituality?” by Thomas Schenk, in bullet-point format with key quotes:
Summary Paraphrase – “Should Skeics Abandon Spirituality?” by Thomas Schenk
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Not all naturalists are spiritual, and many secular naturalists object to the term "spiritual." The disagreement is mostly over semantics, but it's still important for intellectual honesty to explore the issue.
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Tom Flynn, a prominent skeptic, criticized the use of spiritual language by naturalists, arguing that it undermines skepticism and naturalism.
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Schenk respects Flynn’s contributions but believes Flynn misunderstood the potential value of spiritual language in enhancing skepticism's appeal.
“To compete with dogma, skepticism must resonate existentially and aesthetically.”
I. Is Spirituality Anti-Naturalistic?
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Flynn claimed the term “spiritual” inherently implies supernaturalism, citing dictionary definitions that emphasize intangible or religious meanings.
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Schenk counters this by pointing out that dictionaries reflect dominant cultural (often theistic) biases. Philosopher Eric Steinhart calls this reliance on a “Christian dictionary,” which traps even atheists in religious frameworks.
“Atheists who reject gods but cling to Christian meanings are ‘twilight atheists’ still living in the shadows of God.”
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Historical spiritual traditions like Stoicism and Buddhism were more rational and compatible with naturalism before supernatural ideas co-opted the term.
II. Is Spirituality Too Confusing?
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Flynn worried that using “spiritual” misleads people into thinking one holds supernatural beliefs.
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However, language always carries some risk of misunderstanding, and clarity often depends on context and intent. Schenk argues that worry over potential misinterpretation is not enough to abandon meaningful terms.
“Better to be confused with a pixie-believer than a nihilist.”
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Spiritual language helps express humility, awe, compassion, and shared humanity—values not easily conveyed through dry or technical language.
III. Can We Just Replace Spiritual Language?
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Flynn suggested dozens of alternative words to avoid using “spirit” or “spiritual,” but many fall short in conveying the same depth or nuance.
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Pierre Hadot and Sam Harris argue that no better word exists to describe certain transformative human experiences—like mindfulness or awe—than “spiritual.”
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Daniel Strain emphasizes that spirituality can serve as a tool for personal transformation and not just a poetic expression.
“Spirituality isn't entertainment—it’s a path to mindfulness, compassion, and wisdom.”
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Even Flynn admitted his list of replacements was incomplete, but rather than revise his stance, he proposed making the list even longer—an approach Schenk sees as stubborn rather than skeptical.
IV. Does Spirituality Undermine Naturalism?
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Flynn believed that spiritual language makes naturalists look uncertain or hypocritical in their commitment to science and reason.
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Schenk pushes back, noting that naturalism need not be cold or sterile. Spiritual language can enrich it without compromising intellectual integrity.
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As philosopher Andy Norman points out, phrases like “good spirits,” “team spirit,” or “spirit of goodwill” refer to real, powerful human experiences—even if they're hard to define precisely.
“Spirit-talk draws attention to deep, ineffable experiences that rational language struggles to express.”
Final Takeaway:
“Spirituality, when redefined within a naturalistic framework, becomes a bridge—not a barrier—between skepticism and meaning.”
Rather than abandon it, skeptics may benefit from reclaiming spiritual language to connect more deeply with human values, experience, and shared wonder.
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