What is a spiritual experience?

[MG 2.0]

Autism is real and it resides along a spectrum.

the things you kids come up with. So, MG, if you believe in spiritual autism, because autism is real, do you also believe in spiritual schizophrenia? That would be people who see things and experience things that aren't really there.

I won’t argue with that.

Gadianton, where do you think you would be on a hypothetical ‘spiritual autism’ scale?

Regards,
MG

[MG 2.0]

Already did. I’ll repeat.



In no way am I disparaging those that have autism. Autism is real and it resides along a spectrum.

Just as teachers and those that work with find different modalities to work with and communicate and nurture those along the autism spectrum I believe that God also finds means and methods to work with and nurture those that may be more or less responsive to traditional modes and means of receiving and acting upon the influence of the Spirit...

Yes, equating your assumptions about other people and how they fit in your imaginary spiritual spectrum with experiences of those on the autism spectrum is disparaging. Please stop.

I don’t see this comparison as being disparaging. I am open to more discussion in regards to ‘spiritual autism’. Please, however, keep responses helpful and constructive without resorting to ad hominem attacks.

By the way, I have a grandson on the autism spectrum.

Regards,
MG

[Marcus]

the things you kids come up with. So, MG, if you believe in spiritual autism, because autism is real, do you also believe in spiritual schizophrenia? That would be people who see things and experience things that aren't really there.

I won’t argue with that.

Gadianton, where do you think you would be on a hypothetical ‘spiritual autism’ scale?

Regards,
MG

How to make matters worse.

[Rivendale]

I won’t argue with that.

Gadianton, where do you think you would be on a hypothetical ‘spiritual autism’ scale?

Regards,
MG

How to make matters worse.

He just did.

[MG 2.0]

I hope I’ve clarified things for you.

Regards,
MG

MG, I do not know what you clarified. Your basic idea, different people experience spirit differently, is clear. It then becomes completely muddled with the autism comparison. Please reconsider. It is as if you are choosing a way of presenting your idea designed to make yourself a target. Look at the responses. Surely you did not wish to set your self up as a punching bag, No need to be stubborn , your intention was ok, it carried unintended consequences however.

Here’s the thing, huckelberry. I see this comparison as an apt comparison in the sense that a person on the autism spectrum is ‘who they are’. We accept them. We don’t look at them as being deficient. We do, however, look at them as operating on a different modality than ourselves (if we are not on the autism spectrum). We then find ways to bring them into community and acceptance. Some have a difficult time with this.

I hope that would not include anyone here.

I have a nephew who works with autistic people as a career path. Autistic people are some of the finest people you would ever meet. My grandson falls into that category. He is, in fact, a genius on some levels.

To compare those that find themselves on a ‘spiritual autism’ scale I think is an interesting comparison.

I would consider myself to be on that spectrum. Would I disparage myself?

As it is, I find that other modalities of seeking the spirit work better for me than the ‘warm fuzzy’ that others might experience.

If at first blush this comparison is bothering some of you please feel free to ask further questions and make inquiries. As it is, I think there is some truth in what I’m saying.

Huckelberry, I will be more than likely used as a punching bag anyway no matter how I couch my words.

Regards,
MG

[MG 2.0]

I won’t argue with that.

Gadianton, where do you think you would be on a hypothetical ‘spiritual autism’ scale?

Regards,
MG

How to make matters worse.

You need to realize, Marcus, it is you that may be having a difficult time with this because of some personal assumptions and predispositions that may influence, what I see to be, a form of black and white thinking without the ability to see and experience nuance.

If I’m incorrect in this assessment, let me know.

As I’m sure you will.

As it is, please keep on topic. I believe I’ve made an apt comparison. Perfect? Probably not. Interesting?

I think so.

Regards,
MG

[MG 2.0]

How to make matters worse.

He just did.

How so?

Regards,
MG

[Rivendale]

He just did.

How so?

Regards,
MG

You are objectifying a group of people. Saying you have a family member in that group does not excuse the comment. Similar to the obnoxious comment some people say they aren't racist I have black freinds. Stephen Colbert classic.

[Marcus]

How to make matters worse.

You need to realize, Marcus, it is you...

You CANNOT be consistent can you?

...Please, however, keep responses helpful and constructive without resorting to ad hominem attacks...

Right.

I believe I’ve made an apt comparison...

As a troll strategy, yes. But as a human being? No. You are comparing your imaginary expectations about a belief you think should apply to the world as a whole, to a real world issue. That's despicable.

But, i predict, you will continue, because a troll just wants involvement.

[I Have Questions]

I believe I’ve made an apt comparison.

I believe that you believe that. But nobody else appears to believe that your comparison is apt. Is that disconnect perhaps worth considering?

Are you open-minded enough to consider that you might be mistaken, that you might not be able to see that mistake, but others can and you should maybe take some time to consider retracting and rephrasing it? Are you open-minded enough to consider that everyone else might be right about this?