Yes. TST spirituality sits in a long tradition: Laozi found reverence with alignment in the way of nature, the Buddha in disciplined experience focused on this realm, the Stoics refined strict alignment with reality, Spinoza found spirituality in nature itself, James and Dewey in lived human transformation and being, and Einstein and Sagan in cosmic awe grounded in scientific observations.
In ancient thought, empirical spirituality shows up again and again. Laozi pointed toward the Dao, the deep way of nature that words can never fully capture. The Buddha focused on suffering, attention, impermanence, and disciplined inner practice. The Stoics taught people to live according to nature, accept what they cannot control, and shape what they can. These are not lab sciences, but they are deeply rooted in observation of life, mind, nature, and human limits.
In modern thought, the same thread continues. Spinoza found sacredness in nature itself rather than in a supernatural ruler outside it. William James studied spiritual experience as lived human experience. John Dewey separated religious institutions from the deeper “religious” quality of devotion, purpose, and moral seriousness. Einstein and Sagan gave this view a cosmic voice: science does not erase awe. It can deepen it.
So yes, empirical spirituality is supported by a long human pattern. Across history, many serious thinkers chose not to ignore human experience, nature, mystery, or our limits. Science-first spirituality does not mock belief or drain life of wonder. It simply lets reality push back. It honors awe without pretending to know what it does not know.