What Does It Mean To Be Spiritual?

To many people, religion is part of a movement that includes judgment, exclusion, and authoritarianism. Dr. Les Carter describes his take on what it means to be spiritual, and how it plays a role in psychological wholeness.

Dr. Les Carter is a semi-retired psychotherapist who spent 41 years in private practice in the Dallas, Tx. metroplex. He now resides in Waco, Tx. He has conducted over 65,000 counseling sessions, written extensively, and has presented many workshops and seminars.

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Dr. Carter's other YouTube channel:

[l.t.]

Without you saying, " I'm Christian, " it is quite obvious that you are a man of deep character. Thank you for your gentle teachings. I greatly respect and appreciate you, Dr. Carter.

[rhondathompson]

When you're a spiritual person, you're being who you really are at the core. Authenticity flows from your inner being. Being fake is repulsive. People who are fake are not comfortable when you're around. Thanks for this video Dr. C.

[camuyana]

Dr. Carter I find a sense of peace when I listen to you because I feel it is God speaking through you to bring that peace that you speak about. I wish I would have found you years ago before I got myself into this messy situation that I'm now and will end with divorce in a few months. I thank God I found you and I found my sanity at the same time when I understood what was happening to me for all these years. May God bless you in such an important ministry to all of us who you have helped greatly.

[bluskie]

It's amazing how you are bridging psychology, the world's behaviors, and the bible together. It's everything I ever wanted and more. It's so helpful to be able to talk about the gospel all of the time and shown how to do it.

[deborahfairbanks]

I'm so grateful to God that He put you in my path. I'm grateful to God that there are human beings like you in the world.
I believe you.
Thank you for reaching out to other's souls...

[gwendolynwehage]

Thank you so much Dr. C, I think we needed a video like this, so many people are calling love something that is not God's kind of love.
Galatians 5:22-23
"22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."

[riseabove]

This was very well done. No judgement, no “pushing” onto others; I have experienced many of the examples you mentioned. Looking at it all from the outside, I see mistakes I’ve made. I see how others can perceive well-intended gestures in a negative way.
Very well done, Dr. C.

[Vezmus]

"I may have all the faith needed to move mountains--but if I have no love, I am nothing." (1 Corinthians 13:2)

[suzannesmith]

I love that God gives us free will while loving us.

[devidaughter]

to become "a person who knows and lives the essence of love" (12:27)

[joannajohnson]

I also describe myself as "christian" - one can testify of Christ by being "Christlike" in their behavior & how they treat others.

[izawaniek]

Thank you dr Carter for a beautiful example to follow.

[anesasosevic]

Spirituality has a wide spectrum of meaning. It depends on every single person. So, as a result, it has different meaning and definition for different people. In any case, to be spiritual means to be raised above shallow, low level of life and to devote yourself to higher sphere of life. No matter what model of spirituality we express: religion, philosophy, art, writing, metaphysics, humanitarian work - helping to other people, we donot look for materialistic reason to do it. But, our soul has benefit from this devotion. It is "food" for our soul.
Dr. L. Carter, thanks for this topic full of challenge for our mind!

[jbellbird]

Your video is very timely as recently I came out of organized religion with exactly the same realization. Having been 'through the mill' with various churches, I now have a better walk with God away from all that and my bible is now my 'church'. Thanks Dr C!

[Mehmet-rwbu]

Spirituality is the awareness of one's own imperfection. Only God is perfect.

[lorrainez]

Love it..the religion of kindness..we all need that reminder!

[angelanicoletti]

This was so good Doctor Carter, I love the way you broke this down with Wisdom and kindness on such a delicate subject.
GOD sent HIS Son they called HIM Jesus; HE came to Love, Heal and Forgive!
Not so we can have a Religion. 
May GOD Keep Blessing you abundantly in Jesus Mighty name Doctor. Carter.

[michellesvintagelibrary]

This was very well spoken and helpful. I found the interpretation of the story in Genesis to be especially interesting. To me, the most frustrating thing about “spiritual people” is how they feel the need to change other people’s minds, tell them how “wrong” they are, and “prove” or argue for how right their own “spiritual” views are. “Spirituality” is fertile ground for narcissists. I love your definition of it. This should be required viewing for all “spiritual” leaders. (Not that it would make a difference, because a narcissist wouldn’t pay any attention to it!)

[rtex]

Dr Les, I knew you were Christian based on your wisdom, kindness, and inner happiness.

[kathleenscott]

I am grateful to have been lead to Dr. CARTER..The Lord