JAK wrote:
we recognize that spiritual really means emotional, we can avoid much confusion. Our emotions are constantly affected by our health, our plans, our set-backs, etc. Religion capitalizes on emotion. While doing that, religious pundits often use the word “spiritual” or some form of the appeal. But we recognize love for our children, family, dogs, food, etc. While love is a generic here for other possible terms, I refer to emotion in a broad sense.
My experience and perspective seems a bit broader in a way, I suppose. There is emotion (and it is what it is), and then there are things spiritual in nature that direct, enlighten, inspire that can bring about notable changes in physiology as well as character.
For example, though it has been some time now since I have taken part in healing the sick and being healed - the ones I speak of were those where the remarkable corrections began immediately - from violent and troubling accidents (internal injuries, head trauma, broken bones etc) to debilitating illnesses (neck injuries). It was not emotion that caused the miracles (There were however, a few troubling incidents where the blessing given had no effect - these were understandably faith confusing).
What can I say, I was there, they happened. At the time I equated them to the authority of God given to man to act in His name (legal administrators of course), faith in His power, revelation which I literally connected to, and an empathy and love toward those present. Now this was the same God that I thought gave me clues that Joseph the pirate was His prophet.