Cast thyself out, imprecise language

Eric Bahrt tells us, “As a self-described agnostic, it should be obvious that when I use the word God, I’m doing so metaphorically.”
Well, Eric, it isn’t obvious at all. When you use the word “God”, your readers might have no idea you’re an agnostic. Your very use of the term may mislead them into thinking you’re a Presbyterian, a Jehovah’s Witness or a Holy Roller.
Say what you mean. If you’re referring to whatever force or forces brought this universe into existence and may be guiding its development, say so. 
As for the benefits of having a “spiritual” outlook on life, if people don’t believe in one or more “spiritual” realities, they shouldn’t use that word, either. “Spiritual” has always been a vague and smarmy word whose primary function is to puff up any noun it modifies, as in “my spiritual life” or “my spiritual journey”. If there’s no identifiable spiritual reality, there’s no basis for a spiritual outlook on life. If you mean mental, emotional, supersensual, ethereal or intangible, say so. In short, let’s aim for more precision in our choice of words.
Having a bad hair day,
Ye Olde Pedant