Metamodern Meaning 88. Spiritual Naturalist Society (w/ Daniel Strain and Alexander Cheruk)
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Aug 13, 2025 Daniel Strain, founder of the Spiritual Naturalist Society, and Alexander Cheruk, its executive director, delve into the intriguing world of spiritual naturalism. They discuss blending ancient wisdom with modern science to redefine spirituality without supernatural elements. The duo emphasizes the role of community in personal growth and examines the transformative power of sacred language and rituals. They also share personal journeys from traditional faith to a naturalistic worldview, advocating for inclusivity in spiritual practices.
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Spiritual Means Essence Not Supernatural
- Daniel defines 'spiritual' as ancient sense: spirit as essence, breath, or character rather than ghosts.
- He argues spirituality addresses character, meaning, ethics, and transformation within naturalism.
Naturalism Grounded In Evidence And Humility
- Daniel stresses spiritual naturalism assumes only the natural world and builds from evidence and reason.
- He preserves epistemic humility about unknowns but refuses to base practice on unverified supernatural claims.
Use Spiritual Language Pragmatically
- Alex recommends using spiritual language pragmatically to define life paths and subcultures with rituals and art.
- He advises pitching naturalism as a humble approach to knowledge to make it more attractive.
