Is this intellectually harmful?

[Oni Koneko Damien]

Alright, by default I'm an atheist. I place no belief in deities, spirits, angels, devils, etc. simply because there is no verifiable evidence or compelling reason to believe in their existence.

Likewise, I hold no belief in 'energy fields', psychic phenomena, reiki-type 'body-energy', ghosts, etc. for similar reasons.

On the other hand, a lot of my closer friends hold these sort of beliefs, and on quite a few occasions I've joined them in 'energy-work' and similar exercises. Again, while I hold no belief in these sorts of things, I cannot deny the fact that there is an emotional impact when I take part in these things. I readily concede that it can easily be shown to stem from natural causes, and accept that this is the most likely scenario.

Yet I still continue to take part in these things because I rather enjoy the atmosphere it creates and the emotional high I get from it. In other words, even if the beliefs it is based upon are complete bunk, it still bloody works in regards to achieving a particular emotional state.

So my question is this: Is it intellectually dishonest to engage in some sort of ritual or what have you that you hold no belief in the validity of, for the purposes of achieving a nice emotional high with close friends? Do the ends, stress-relief and emotional pleasure, justify the means, taking part in a ritual based on demonstrably false beliefs?

A slight disclaimer: No one is physically hurt during these activities, and everyone involved already knows my views and beliefs on the whole issue and is okay with it. So I'm asking from a purely intellectual standpoint: Is this an intellectually bad thing to do?

Does anyone else here do the same thing?

[Singular Intellect]

Could you explain just what you think should be harmful about it?

You just explicitly stated that it does no harm to anyone and that you and your friends enjoy it.

You've answered your own question.

[General Zod]

As long as your friend knows your reasons for doing it aren't the same as theirs, then I wouldn't see any harm.

[Enforcer Talen]

Ive done drum circles and and the like, even if I dont think we're doing any praise to the earth mother, or whatever.

I dont see a problem.

[Superman]

Errr...

I'm not even sure there's a question here.

[Oni Koneko Damien]

Alright, what I mean is is it intellectually dishonest to myself? To me, for some reason, it seems to be similar to the compartmentalization that goes on in other peoples' minds, where they're perfectly rational in regards to most things, but to their own beliefs, the rules simply don't apply.

[Superman]

Alright, what I mean is is it intellectually dishonest to myself? To me, for some reason, it seems to be similar to the compartmentalization that goes on in other peoples' minds, where they're perfectly rational in regards to most things, but to their own beliefs, the rules simply don't apply.

I think you answered your own question with your last sentence. Are you just going along with it to 'fit in' with your friends?

Personally, my opinion is that it's a bit hypocritical. People have their own reasons and motivations for belonging, or not belonging, to religious groups. I don't know how old you are, but you might find you have a stronger sense of yourself as time goes on.

[R. U. Serious]

So my question is this: Is it intellectually dishonest to engage in some sort of ritual or what have you that you hold no belief in the validity of[...]
what I mean is is it intellectually dishonest to myself?

Of course not, as long as you are not dishonest about the reasons for doing so. Some cultures consider drugs to be a (necessary) way to get closer to their god - are people that do drugs for other reasons being dishonest? No. Though if you lie about why you are participating, or if you willingly and knowingly let other people have the wrong ideas about why you are participating in their rituals, there is of course dishonesty involved, but it's dishonesty against them, not yourself. Ask yourself: if all of your friends would do the same a now, but (as you) without the mystic/supernatural aspects - would you still want to participate and enjoy it the same way? I am assuming the answer is yes.

Just as I've seen plenty of families that are atheist from a religious POV, continue to celebrate ceremonies/festivities that culturally stem from their former religion. Christmas being the obvious example here.

(Disclaimer: I have no idea what "energy-work" really is, I am entirely relying on inference from what is mentioned in the OP)

[Broomstick]

I've long said that religion fulfills emotional needs that pure rational logic does not.

If you enjoy and find participating in such activities emotionally satisfying, you are not engaging in deception, and no one is getting hurt I fail to see what the problem is you're asking question about.

[Rye]

If it's fun and doesn't hurt anyone, it doesn't matter that you know it's a placebo. Just do it.

[Sriad]

Unless you find an Atheist Meditation Club, keep going for it. Taking time to emotionally ("spiritually") center and ground yourself is useful and worthwhile whether you believe in a supreme power or not, and the fact that you can do it with friends is that much better.

[Oni Koneko Damien]

Alright, what I mean is is it intellectually dishonest to myself? To me, for some reason, it seems to be similar to the compartmentalization that goes on in other peoples' minds, where they're perfectly rational in regards to most things, but to their own beliefs, the rules simply don't apply.

I think you answered your own question with your last sentence. Are you just going along with it to 'fit in' with your friends?

Personally, my opinion is that it's a bit hypocritical. People have their own reasons and motivations for belonging, or not belonging, to religious groups. I don't know how old you are, but you might find you have a stronger sense of yourself as time goes on.

I think I've got my answer now.

No, I'm not doing it to 'fit in'. I do it for the sheer enjoyment of the experience. Everyone knows my beliefs on the issue beforehand, I just remain respectful and do what I can to maintain the desired atmosphere.

I just feel that no matter what your beliefs, a drum-circle that leaves you twitching on the ground and gives you an endomorphin high that lasts for the next week is worth it.

[ANGELUS]

Well, this comparision might be sill, but it is the way I understood your question:

Does the fact that you don't believe in gosths means that you can't enjoy a good gosths movie (story, book, whatever)?

I believe it is the same thing with your group. You might no believe in it but you certainly enjoy doing it. I don't think there's anything wrong with it.

[Superman]

Does the fact that you don't believe in gosths means that you can't enjoy a good gosths movie (story, book, whatever)?

That's a good point. I enjoy Elvis' gospel music, but I'm no Christian. I like a good gosths movie too.

Oni, what kind of ritual does this 'energy work' entail?

[Oni Koneko Damien]

Aw hell, now that I think about it, I play Werewolf and DnD as well.

Alright, problem essentially solved then.

[Oni Koneko Damien]

Oni, what kind of ritual does this 'energy work' entail?

Have you ever heard of Reiki? It's rather similar. It's sort of a communal meditation involving physical contact, often at 'chakra' points throughout the body. Physical/emotional responses range anywhere from deep relaxation to sudden energetic bursts to a near-sexual ecstasy.