Surely getting information from the internet includes listening to various podcasts, having discussions here, being introduced to new ideas - isn't any of that spiritual? If it isn't, why even bother with your website, or with posting here?
I don't understand what you are getting at.
David
Summary:
In my post you quoted, when I wrote: "Learning about personal experiences of other people like NDEs, precognition, syncronicities, afterdeath communication, watching a medium give a public demonstration, etc can produce a spiritual mindset.", the "etc" includes what you wrote in your reply, "getting information from the internet includes listening to various podcasts, having discussions here, being introduced to new ideas"
Full Post:
I don't own the definition of spiritual. If you don't like my definition use a different one. I don't mind if other people define it differently. When I use the dictionary I find many words have multiple meanings. It doesn't upset me. I use many of them myself.
Sometimes scientists or other specialists have specialized definitions for use in specialized contexts. If you want to include a purely intellectual approach in the definition of spiritual that is fine. I use that definition sometimes too.
Definitions of words do not create or invalidate reality. What is, is. Definitions just help us communicate. Saying x is not y doesn't change anything about x or y. It doesn't necessarily put a value judgment on x or y. They are what they are regardless of what we call them or how we categorize them.
My first point is that I am saying in the present specialized context, relating to Sheldrake's podcast where he lists spiritual activities and says they make him feel inspired and uplifted, that I would define "spiritual" more strictly. Sheldrake seems to define sprit as "morale". I define spirit as "eternal soul". Sheldrake seems to be defining "spiritual" as: "using the empathic intuitive mind in ways that are uplifting or inspiring".
Sheldrake's list of spiritual practices are all empathic/intuitive activities none are intellectual pursuits (I listed them above: Meditation, Gratitude, Connecting with nature, Relating to plants, Rituals, Singing and chanting, Pilgrimage and holy places). I would define "spiritual" as "when you are using your empathic/intuitive mind to approach direct perception of some aspect of our spiritual nature, and or the non-physical reality".
The experience is a feeling like connectedness or goodwill etc. I am willing to acknowledge what I think is Sheldrake's definition because that can be a first step for those who are unused to using the empathic intuitive mind.
I am not trying to say anything negative about gaining knowledge of the evidence for psi or the afterlife. I think that is a very good thing to do. Accurate knowledge of anything is usually good. It helps us make better decisions. Knowledge about the reality of the human spirit and the afterlife is good because it will influence our ethics and morality in a positive way, it will change the way a person lives their life and their understanding of their place in the universe.
My second point is that depending on how you approach the study of the evidence
if you are using the logical/rational mind all the time* you might not be getting a full understanding. In my post you quoted, when I wrote: "Learning about personal experiences of other people like NDEs, precognition, syncronicities, afterdeath communication, watching a medium give a public demonstration, etc can produce a spiritual mindset.", the "etc" includes what you wrote in your reply, "getting information from the internet includes listening to various podcasts, having discussions here, being introduced to new ideas".
But I am trying to explain that there is more to the subject than just knowledge, there is the experience, the feeling, that is a different facet of understanding. Like you don't fully understand love until you feel it. That is the purpose of my specialized definition of "spiritual": to have a convenient way to refer to this aspect of understanding, that you don't necessarily get the emotional understanding from a purely intellectual approach. Sometimes an intellectual approach to learning about the evidence is a first step toward developing an emotional understanding, so it is always to be encouraged.
And I am not trying to say spiritual people are better. I am not implying there is anything bad to a purely intellectual approach. I don't think it is possible to accurately judge anyone on matters of spirituality so I try to avoid it.
*The logical/rational mind, and the empathic/intuitive mind cannot be in use at the same time. You have to switch between them. Both should be cultivated.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/252241.php
Brain Can't Empathize And Analyze At Same Time, New Study