Do you guys actually believe this stuff?

[Billy]

I'm often troubled by the thought that this material and spirituality in general are just defence mechanisms for coping with the world. Maybe this is all just one big delusion brought on by fear. There is admittedly no proof for any of this.

Fear is a tool to keep us safe, but in my experience and contemplation I find it to be the least worthy of things to base a worldview on.
Spirituality in a more clinical light (the kind I was referring to before when I used the word) is basically a modality of appreciation, the "spiritually" fulfilled individual is not one that dwells in fear but rather honest appreciation for one's own existence. One of the many problems with the incohesive new age movement is that they purport notions that are arguably unhealthy to hold and can very well be a defense against fear or perpetuate fear ie. the fetish of conspiracy theory. I see the arguing for the position of spirituality being an evolutionary product to preserve the species, not only is that a very convenient way of dismissing countless worldviews and past traditions but it doesn't really hold up that well since it's really just an oversimplification given the wealth of data available.

What I am trying to say is that I am sympathetic to those seeking "spiritual fulfillment" but I am not happy to see people adopt possibly unhealthy beliefs, but that is their choice.

What do you mean by this?

I most definitely agree with you that certain spiritual beliefs can in actual fact be quite damaging (disconnection from reality) and perhaps perpetuate fear. I guess the reason I believe is simply because the idea that all is well as the universe is made out of love, fills me with hope. I find the idea that we are all unconditionally loved and protected a most lovely one. Maybe I'm just weak, I don't know.