Why Theism?

[OldApostate]

As I've more than hinted in previous posts, I've been without a god belief for approximately 15 years. However, I've found myself recently returning to a positive view of spirituality. That's caused almost as much turmoil in my life as my deconversion, so I frequently ask myself, "Why?" If it took so long and it was so difficult to achieve this place of reason, what is the point of seeking spirituality? Am I falling backwards here?

 

I find it ironic that I find myself defending myself in the same way I defended my life as a Christian. I really was a "true atheist." I was active as an atheist online (some of you know me, but don't know it, in fact). I wrote many blog posts and opinion pieces about the irrationality of religion. I argued passionately against apologists. However, a couple of years ago, I decided I didn't like myself when it came to this aspect of my life. I was strident and shrill, and barely polite when it came to religious folks. That's problematic when most of the folks you meet in this country are religious. I felt like I was defining my spiritual life in terms of opposition to something. I realized that the term "atheist" itself was a definition in opposition, and it didn't really define very well what I actually believe -- which is simply that there's no evidence for a god. So, I stopped hanging out on atheist websites, and I stopped debating religion, and I stopped referring to myself as an atheist.

 

That's still a long leap from theism. However, what I also noticed was that my life was lacking a certain "magic." I was incredibly focussed on the practical. I wasn't very joyful, because I believe that deep down, joy doesn't seem like a very practical or rational emotion. In short, my entire life philosophy was goal oriented. Why do it if it doesn't have a tangible and reachable end? What's funny is that, when you think about it, that kind of thinking is rather Christian. I still, by the way, have a very negative view of Christianity. One of the things I dislike about it is its emphasis on the goal -- acting in reliance on that reward after death.

 

With my softening of stance toward religion, came an increase in number of religious friends. Most of them are non-Christian. Perhaps I can explain it in another post, but I find that I don't get along with strong Christians very well, and not because they're Christian... well not directly, anyway. It's more the philosophies that they believe as Christians. I find those philosophies to be mostly incompatible with being a good citizen of this world. But, anyway, these other theists seemed to be so joyful. Religious ritual included celebration, and there was a recognition of the beauty in life. It was then that I realized that there was a value to theism that was separate from a god belief or a heavenly goal. Religion can promote peace by promoting rules of interaction. It can provide a reason for celebration. It can be moving and inspire us to transcend ourselves. It can provide motivation for beautiful art and music.

 

It's true that all of those things can occur without the spiritual, but I had a hard time achieving them. Like the spiritual, such things are impractical and irrational. They're abstract and nonfactual. I think that's why art and joy and spirituality combine so well. Even after seeing these things, I struggled, because I simply cannot force myself to believe something I don't. I doubt that I will ever have any kind of god belief again. However, why should I to enjoy the beauty of the spiritual? And even if I don't believe, why regard it as inherently wrong to suspend that disbelief just enough to share in the celebration?

 

Anyway, that's how I've gone from adamant atheist to almost theist. How have others journeyed to spirituality?

[Robbobrob]

I had been drifting through the new age scene since college, where I had really gave up on any mainstream ideas about the who Jesus cult thing.

 

A few months ago I was feeling very Atheistic. right around the time I joined here.

 

I'm happy now in my Apathy toward a deity. If there is one, I believe it looks far more like the Taoist concepts than any Middle Eastern version. And, being the a version similar to Tao (but probably not the same) I let it go tis way, as it properly lets me go mine. As is the proper method for two intelligences who have different roles in the Universe.

 

But, as always, the proof is in the pudding....or the pasta, or the hot dog without a bun, .... We are all here for the fun of it. Or the horror. Or the bordom. Or the insanity. Whatever we want from this life.

[מה טבו]

That's caused almost as much turmoil in my life as my deconversion, so I frequently ask myself, "Why?" If it took so long and it was so difficult to achieve this place of reason, what is the point of seeking spirituality? Am I falling backwards here?

 

You have my empathy here. I was an Atheist for 10 years. After the initial existential angst, I had gotten quite comfortable. The transition to theism completely rattled me. It was actually quite painful at first. I guess that's part of all major changes of belief.

 

I find it ironic that I find myself defending myself in the same way I defended my life as a Christian. I really was a "true atheist."

 

Some people are dicks. They're going to continue to be dicks whether they're Christian, Atheist, Scientologist, Hindu, or Pastafarian. If the people who tell you you weren't a "true Atheist" this were Christians, they'd be the same ones telling you you were never a "true Christian". Not all douchebaggery is religious.

 

I got tired of debating too, but I think for slightly different reasons. I realized I wasn't changing any minds - I was just arguing all the time. I asked myself what it really hurt if they believed something that wasn't true. If it got them through the day, and they didn't go about blowing things up, what was the harm? Who was I to say what someone else should think? I still identified openly as an Atheist, but I was an Atheist who refused to debate.

 

I also started to wonder about this ideal of perfect rationality. We aren't perfectly rational creatures. We're not robots - we're humans. We are emotional. We are spiritual. We are irrational at times. It's part of human nature. Was denying part of my humanity as an Atheist really any better than denying other parts of my humanity as a Christian?

 

Neither of those prompted me to leave Atheism - but I did soften a bit toward religious people, and eventually religion. What eventually caused me to become a Theist is something I don't talk about to anyone. It's extremely personal, and in that sense, so is my theism. I'm happy to talk about ritual, tradition, history, and all that good stuff - but God is personal.

 

I still don't see Atheism as a bad thing. I have no desire to change anyone's mind. After all, who am I to say what someone else should think? IMHO, the lack of God is personal too.

 

Like the spiritual, such things are impractical and irrational. They're abstract and nonfactual.

 

...I struggled, because I simply cannot force myself to believe something I don't. I doubt that I will ever have any kind of god belief again. However, why should I to enjoy the beauty of the spiritual? And even if I don't believe, why regard it as inherently wrong to suspend that disbelief just enough to share in the celebration?

 

And the impractical and irrational - the abstract and nonfactual - are part of you. They're part of your humanity, and there's nothing wrong with that part of your self. Beauty is irrational. Joy is emotional. But what are our lives without them? So maybe the spiritual is a part of you too. Accepting that part of your humanity doesn't mandate any particular religious belief. Express it - accept it - live it in whatever way works for you. After all, that's what it boils down to - your thoughts - your beliefs - your emotions - your spirituality. In short, your life.

[woodsmoke]

I had been drifting through the new age scene since college, where I had really gave up on any mainstream ideas about the who Jesus cult thing.

 

A few months ago I was feeling very Atheistic. right around the time I joined here.

 

I'm happy now in my Apathy toward a deity. If there is one, I believe it looks far more like the Taoist concepts than any Middle Eastern version. And, being the a version similar to Tao (but probably not the same) I let it go tis way, as it properly lets me go mine. As is the proper method for two intelligences who have different roles in the Universe.

 

But, as always, the proof is in the pudding....or the pasta, or the hot dog without a bun, .... We are all here for the fun of it. Or the horror. Or the bordom. Or the insanity. Whatever we want from this life.

 

Couldn't have said it better myself.

 

I identify as an atheist simply because, as best I understand the language of our culture, I fit the bill for it. I also identify as somewhat of a democrat, socialist and libertarian, an intellectual, a geek, a heterosexual and countless other things for the exact same reason.

 

As to any "profound" thoughts upon the matter?

 

Meh.

[OldApostate]

I identify as an atheist simply because, as best I understand the language of our culture, I fit the bill for it. I also identify as somewhat of a democrat, socialist and libertarian, an intellectual, a geek, a heterosexual and countless other things for the exact same reason.

 

As to any "profound" thoughts upon the matter?

 

Meh.

 

Well, the question was about journeys toward spirituality, not away. I've done the away already

 

I respect apatheism, and it did sort of sum up my own belief system for a long time. I just began to sort of feel it wanting. I do find it interesting that you "identify as an atheist" but not as an "arepublican." In other words, one of the things in your list is not like the other and, in all honesty, I find atheism and apathy to be pretty much at odds, as the very word "atheist" is oppositional. I know that this is sort of controversial among nontheists, and I'm derailing my own thread here, but that's sort of the problem I had with my own identity as an atheist. It had the effect of creating tension where none really existed, because, ultimately, there's no reason for me to have a problem with theism as long as it doesn't cause problems for me. Nor do I feel the need to proclaim my lack of theism. I just don't believe things for which I have no evidence. I don't feel the need to label that concept in religious terms.

 

In any case, I certainly continue to respect nontheism, having been there for the last fifteen years. However, I'm more interested in how former and current nontheists added spirituality to their lives.

[Islington]

I never realy ventured on the fields of Atheism, my beleives changed from Christian to "Celtic Questioning" I have prove that ther are Powers that I dont understand and even some I dont want to Understand. I want to marvel on things, follow my dreams and allow alittle bit more then just science and logic. I ask questions, I want to learn as much as possible, I am responcible for my Actions - and I have my Gods. And as long as no one trys to convert me I wont talk into his religion.

 

I am a dreamer, thats why I want Gods and Unicorns to exist. On an absolut logical basis I could go as an Atheist - but for sure I am not a logical person.

[Brother Jeff]

I went from being a devout fundamentalist Christian to being a devout Atheist, and my atheism lasted for several years. Now I am basically a non-religious Deist. There is plenty of evidence for design in our universe, and I think it is unlikely that the beauty of our world and universe and the complexity of life just happened by accident by purely natural forces. My atheism was seriously challenged twice over the last couple of years. The first time was in Anatomy & Physiology class. I find the design and complexity of the human body amazing, and as with Nature generally, I think it is unlikely that blind, unintelligent forces fashioned it or could do so even given billions of years. The second time was when I really started paying attention to the incredible beauty I am constantly surrounded by here in Alaska. The awesome scenery I have encountered here while out hiking seems unlikely to me to have occurred unplanned and just by accident. So I am a Deist. I don't feel a need for religion, but I do acknowledge the strong possibility, in my opinion, that a Creator does exist. For spirituality, I sometimes meditate or listen to Eastern religious music by Krishna Das, but most of the time I don't even feel a desire or need for that. I live as a functional atheist, even though I no longer label myself as such.

 

As far as an afterlife goes, I don't know if there is one or not, and neither does anyone else. There could be one and I hope that there is (as long as it doesn't involve flaming torture for rejecting the Holy Farter's gift of Kryasst) since I don't wish to cease existing and feeling and knowing and learning and loving, but at this point I can only be an optimist and hold out hope, given the current lack of proof either way.

 

Anyway, spirituality has value in my opinion because it can enrich our lives, even if it isn't "rational". Not everything in life is or has to be.

 

EDIT: Edited becuz the Talking Snake magically cauwzed me to mispel a wurd.

[OldApostate]

As far as an afterlife goes, I don't know if there is one or not, and neither does anyone else. There could be one and I hope that there is (as long as it doesn't involve flaming torture for rejecting the Holy Farter's gift of Kryasst) since I don't wish to cease existing and feeling and knowing and learning and loving, but at this point I can only be an optimist and hold out hope, given the current lack of proof either way.

 

...

 

EDIT: Edited becuz the Talking Snake magically cauwzed me to mispel a wurd.

 

The afterlife thing is interesting to me. It is pretty much the central point of Christian philosophy -- everything is geared toward doing the dance that gets you into that afterlife (only no one else dancing thinks you're doing the right dance). I think that, for me, it was a pretty big sticking point. I don't really think there is an afterlife, but it might be nice if there were one. In any case, I'd hate to think that this life had much bearing on what happens after, because it would make this life sort of a waste. I think that life is better lived as a present gift, than a worry about what may or may not happen later. My struggle with spirituality has sort of centered on whether or not two things are "true" -- the existence of deity and the existence of an afterlife. I felt like I had to believe that those things MUST exist in order to accept spirituality for myself. Had to have a concrete basis. Again, however, I think that's Christian thinking -- instead of reveling in the celebratory aspects of things, I have to look for a purpose.

 

Thanks for weighing in also, Islington. I am pretty interested in how modern polytheistic belief works. Are your gods/goddesses personifications of traits/aspects of the universe or do you believe in literal gods and goddesses? Are there prescribed rituals, or is ritual more figurative?

 

Talking snakes... once you get those, they're near impossible to get rid of.

[מה טבו]

Talking snakes... once you get those, they're near impossible to get rid of.

 

Heheh - reminds me of a conversation I overheard once. Two shrinks are talking, and one mentions that he's got a new patient who thinks her ex-husband is walking around naked with angel wings throwing snakes on her.

The other shrink just grins and says, "Okay, don't get all Freudian on me now."

[Mankey]

Anyway, spirituality has value in my opinion because it can enrich our lives, even if it isn't "rational". Not everything in life is or has to be.

 

EDIT: Edited becuz the Talking Snake magically cauwzed me to mispel a wurd.

The closest I can get to spirituality is learning and practicing what I have learned. The out doors and the beauty of nature that includes what science explains about nature. Also music. I still listen to some gospel once in a while.

 

I wish deism was more popular than atheism because I think it has more potential at this point in human history for people.

 

deism isn't theism. If theism didn't make claims about God's plan and Gods rules.....humans can say some stupid shit.....I would not be so nervous about it.

 

Still nice theists might rub off on other theists.....which mitigates harm. Just being a nice tolerant person helps. I think the more people are exposed to people of other denominations and religions things will improve. We have to learn to talk about our differences without violence or vindictiveness.

 

Anyway, spirituality has value in my opinion because it can enrich our lives, even if it isn't "rational". Not everything in life is or has to be.

I sense some how that you are right. But ethics, politics and science most certainly require reason and evidence. Not magical thinking.

[Mankey]

I really was a "true atheist."

You most certainly were not. I am the only true atheist ™. I own atheism. Next I will own true agnosticism ™ then true theism ™

 

 

 

I will own every label in existence and define your very soul. I'm very special. My mom says so. hehe.

[OldApostate]

I'm very special. My mom says so. hehe.

 

My mom says I'm special too!

[Mankey]

I'm very special. My mom says so. hehe.

 

My mom says I'm special too!

No! Me! I am the only one who is very special.

 

 

 

 

Thing is I aint a mind reader, so I can't claim that some one was not an atheist at one time. For some reason it does bug me....but thats too bad. It is possible.

 

[Islington]

"Are your gods/goddesses personifications of traits/aspects of the universe or do you believe in literal gods and goddesses?"

 

I will repeat, what I have writen in an other thread:

Up to the topic: How du you exactly define a God?

A river has its own spirit often named Godess. But she has only control over her river. Is she a godess?

Odin is named a God and is what? What makes him a god? His eternal struggle in Ragnar�k? That he knows his destiny? His Powers?

A Totemspirit is a guide and has the power ond wisdom of his species but dose that qualify for godhood?

Our ancestors have the knowledge of our families, traditions and the like. Are there spirits gods?

A great hero of the legends is known far and wide. His Name is near immortal, his deeds will inspire our grandchildren. Is he a god?

JHWH claims omnipresence and all things, he is not to be depicted and nothing we can understand. He sais, he created the world. Is that what makes a god?

 

I dont know.

 

How do I define a god? Good question.

 

The celtic gods where once human beings, our ancestors. Every hero can become a god. Some say the Sidhe are gods and in some way they are, for they are bigger, better, more. But they are claimed to be part of an older culture, that lived in Ire and disapeared with the new inhabitants, as historicans say. That way they are ancestors as well. I do believe in Brigid and Dana, in Dagda and Lugh. But they are not unreacheble for me. They are glorious heros and embodyments of princips, powers, things or doings. As are animals and riverspirits. They are my gods too. All teachers and guides, sometimes guardiens. There is a statement given to the druids, that all Gods are one and most people just not know that jet.

And, yes, I am my god if it goes for who is responceble for what I do. And, because I believe, that in every human being is a part of the allgod/everything everyone is a small god to me who owes some respect until he proves me otherwise.

 

 

Are there prescribed rituals, or is ritual more figurative?

 

Well actually there are desriptions of rituals in Irish mythology and very little in historybooks. The bigest problem is that the celtic culture and the Druids did not survive to the present day. So it is all up to you to learn as much as you can about celtic society and read between the lines for there religious thinking. I have one book that deny any possibility to be or become a druid today because there's no society of celts with Kings which they need as counterparts. Ironicaly this book is the biggest reason for me to say I am a celt and I believe in the Celtic spirituality. There are Druidic orders who claim to know much and more or are the relatives of an ancient or have what ever. But I don't now if I ever trust someone who sais he has the ultimate truth. There are other who searched thru Irish Mythologie and texts of the early xtian Priests to find what is left there that is not of ixtian origin. John and Caitlin Matthews for example. They do provide lots of basic informations and even sugests some rituals but they are just things that worked for them and you might take them for your own if you feel like it. So all I have is a mixup of stories, historical informations and my wits and feelings to put it together.

 

Hell, I even think, maybe the druids would laugh at me for even thinking I'd follow a celtic way. But then celtic believe changed, was never written down for only thinks in our mind are vivid, can grow and change as they have to according to time and other things.

 

 

The afterlife thing is interesting to me.

 

For a celt it is said that he can life after death but not after his Honour. Celtic Immortality is reached through the stories which are told about you by your children.

And you go on after death: First into the lands of the death, where you can rest and think bevor you pass on to a new life in this world or in the otherworld or whereever you choose to go.

[Thunder 34]

As I've more than hinted in previous posts, I've been without a god belief for approximately 15 years. However, I've found myself recently returning to a positive view of spirituality. That's caused almost as much turmoil in my life as my deconversion, so I frequently ask myself, "Why?" If it took so long and it was so difficult to achieve this place of reason, what is the point of seeking spirituality? Am I falling backwards here?

 

I find it ironic that I find myself defending myself in the same way I defended my life as a Christian. I really was a "true atheist." I was active as an atheist online (some of you know me, but don't know it, in fact). I wrote many blog posts and opinion pieces about the irrationality of religion. I argued passionately against apologists. However, a couple of years ago, I decided I didn't like myself when it came to this aspect of my life. I was strident and shrill, and barely polite when it came to religious folks. That's problematic when most of the folks you meet in this country are religious. I felt like I was defining my spiritual life in terms of opposition to something. I realized that the term "atheist" itself was a definition in opposition, and it didn't really define very well what I actually believe -- which is simply that there's no evidence for a god. So, I stopped hanging out on atheist websites, and I stopped debating religion, and I stopped referring to myself as an atheist.

 

That's still a long leap from theism. However, what I also noticed was that my life was lacking a certain "magic." I was incredibly focussed on the practical. I wasn't very joyful, because I believe that deep down, joy doesn't seem like a very practical or rational emotion. In short, my entire life philosophy was goal oriented. Why do it if it doesn't have a tangible and reachable end? What's funny is that, when you think about it, that kind of thinking is rather Christian. I still, by the way, have a very negative view of Christianity. One of the things I dislike about it is its emphasis on the goal -- acting in reliance on that reward after death.

 

With my softening of stance toward religion, came an increase in number of religious friends. Most of them are non-Christian. Perhaps I can explain it in another post, but I find that I don't get along with strong Christians very well, and not because they're Christian... well not directly, anyway. It's more the philosophies that they believe as Christians. I find those philosophies to be mostly incompatible with being a good citizen of this world. But, anyway, these other theists seemed to be so joyful. Religious ritual included celebration, and there was a recognition of the beauty in life. It was then that I realized that there was a value to theism that was separate from a god belief or a heavenly goal. Religion can promote peace by promoting rules of interaction. It can provide a reason for celebration. It can be moving and inspire us to transcend ourselves. It can provide motivation for beautiful art and music.

 

It's true that all of those things can occur without the spiritual, but I had a hard time achieving them. Like the spiritual, such things are impractical and irrational. They're abstract and nonfactual. I think that's why art and joy and spirituality combine so well. Even after seeing these things, I struggled, because I simply cannot force myself to believe something I don't. I doubt that I will ever have any kind of god belief again. However, why should I to enjoy the beauty of the spiritual? And even if I don't believe, why regard it as inherently wrong to suspend that disbelief just enough to share in the celebration?

 

Anyway, that's how I've gone from adamant atheist to almost theist. How have others journeyed to spirituality?

Wow, I'm going through something like this but in a much shorter time span of 15 years and some details are different. Right now I've felt myself getting alot more spiritual...And it is really weird cause I felt I was such a strong atheist and would never believe in a god again... But now, I think I may.

 

The only 2 things that bother me are ,I think you said the first one bothered you too, 1. Is this irrational? Am I being stupid by doing this? If it is irrational, does it even matter? 2. I'm kinda sorta drifting to the Unity Church. I mean I'm still searching, but its a Christian church and I'm drifting toward it. (Though I dont think a single Fundy would think it is Christian.) One thing I never ever want to do is slip back into Christianity. When I'm Christian, its like I'm on PCP or something, I turn back into Fundy mode and shut off most thinking. And I feel like the Unity church might be playing with fire.

 

I once slipped back, very shortly, into Christianity a while ago when I was becoming more spiritual and I went back into Fundy mode. But thankfully it was very short.

[R. S. Martin]

I may be wrong but I think what some people on this thread are talking about is what in my mind, and also in Myers-Briggs language, is the difference between the intellect and emotions. Spirituality can be classified as an emotion. What people on this thread seem to identify as atheism seems to be strict intellect. The human being is not whole without both the intellect and emotion, thinking and feeling. I have known atheists who identified as spiritual atheists. It seems that what people on this thread identify as theism is the feeling or emotional aspect of their humanity. I personally do not see that as God.

 

There are many definitions and many views of God/god, etc. Some of them I might agree with. I am simply exhausted with the search to decide whether God exists. For me, there are more important things in life than figuring out the existence or nonexistence of God. I see no evidence for God; I can say that much with confidence.

 

That said, Islington, I really love European mythical gods and fairies, etc. Hans posted some Swedish myths earlier today. I am of north European descent and am interested in my ancient heritage. But I think I "take them with a grain of salt" like you seem to, and don't worship them.

 

Thunder said:

 

The only 2 things that bother me are ,I think you said the first one bothered you too, 1. Is this irrational? Am I being stupid by doing this? If it is irrational, does it even matter? 2. I'm kinda sorta drifting to the Unity Church. I mean I'm still searching, but its a Christian church and I'm drifting toward it.

 

One thing I would ask you is: Do you know what you believe about truth and why you believe it? It seems to me this would be important to research in order to make an informed decision that is based not only on your feelings or your intellect, but on an integrated whole of who you are. For example, I know that I disagree with basic Christian faith tenets. Everytime I am tempted to return to Christianity, I think through what the implications are. Part of my mind tries to reason away the objections, but I always come back to the basic problems with theology. I would have to lie in order to accept membership in any Christian church. So long as I am unwilling to lie Christianity is not an option for me. Thus, I think it is really important to take lots of time to research what we believe and why. And base decisions on that so we can explain our beliefs first of all to ourselves, and also to others should the need arise.

[MultifariousBirdLady]

There is plenty of evidence for design in our universe, and I think it is unlikely that the beauty of our world and universe and the complexity of life just happened by accident by purely natural forces. My atheism was seriously challenged twice over the last couple of years. The first time was in Anatomy & Physiology class. I find the design and complexity of the human body amazing, and as with Nature generally, I think it is unlikely that blind, unintelligent forces fashioned it or could do so even given billions of years. The second time was when I really started paying attention to the incredible beauty I am constantly surrounded by here in Alaska. The awesome scenery I have encountered here while out hiking seems unlikely to me to have occurred unplanned and just by accident. So I am a Deist.

 

I find this really interesting, because although I am deeply moved by the beauty of the earth and the complexity of life, I don't have any problem with the understanding that they formed through natural geological forces and/or evolution. I had a marvelous evolution teacher who could talk endlessly about incredible adaptations and how evolutionary biologists speculated they arose, and he would bring in wonderful pictures of animals (or even sometimes the animals themselves) to illustrate the point.

 

And yet, I'm Pagan. But for me it's personal experience that leads me to suspect the existence of Gods. Not explanations of the natural world.

[MultifariousBirdLady]

It's true that all of those things can occur without the spiritual, but I had a hard time achieving them. Like the spiritual, such things are impractical and irrational. They're abstract and nonfactual. I think that's why art and joy and spirituality combine so well.

 

I used to date an atheist. We had some great discussions about spirituality, and when he pressed me on why I would be involved with something so irrational as Paganism, my answer was because the irrational was an important part of human life, too. (I don't think that Paganism -- or any religion -- is *completely* irrational, mind you, but any theism contains some irrational elements.)

 

Even after seeing these things, I struggled, because I simply cannot force myself to believe something I don't. I doubt that I will ever have any kind of god belief again.

 

Then don't. IMO there is no need to be dishonest about what you think and believe. Even if there are Gods, how could any of them fault you for simply being honest?

 

However, why should I to enjoy the beauty of the spiritual? And even if I don't believe, why regard it as inherently wrong to suspend that disbelief just enough to share in the celebration?

 

You might not even need to suspend disbelief. Why not simply celebrate the joy of life and living with your fellow humans? That's reason enough!

 

I think of it this way, and I'll put it in terms of my own religion, but adapt it as you wish if the concept makes sense to you.

In Paganism, we sometimes do rituals which might objectively seem silly and fantastical. However, because the human mind does have an irrational (artistic, if you like) component, those actions tap into the irrational/artistic side of our nature. This side of ourselves is moved by symbols, actions, poetry and myth. Even if it isn't rational, it is still *real* in that it really affects our emotions and the imaginative side of our human nature. And it is entirely possible to rationally understand and affirm the good this irrational side can provide to human life through inspiration, celebration, or comfort.