If someone identifies as being spiritual, does that mean they believe in God?

There is an important ‘pre-question’ that needs to be answered before we can address this issue.  Arguments and discussions are of two types: definitional and substantial.  In this instance, we need to know how a person defines ‘spiritual’ before we can answer the question.  So, first I’ll tell you what I mean by that word.

There is a story which I have told before, but it is endlessly instructive so here it is again.  Imagine you are walking along a country path at dusk.  Suddenly you see, in the half light, a shape on the track ahead...

Sometimes life can throw us a curveball. Events occur in our lives that disrupt our established patterns. These can be unhappy events, but they don’t always have to be harmful or traumatic to be unsettling. Sometimes great opportunities can turn up in our lives, which can also be disruptive.

My husband went to law school and practiced as a solicitor for ten years. He was Chairman of the Board of Governors of a new primary school.

His founding principles included a traditional academic curriculum, a rich cultural element that included singing Mozart and performing Shakespeare, and a deep commitment to philosophical inquiry and spiritual practice.

The school had only been in operation for a few years and had an enrollment of thirty-five children. It was operating out of a small suburban house, the garage had been converted into one of its classrooms.