Are you Agnostic?

[GTseng3]

Well, from a certain point of view everyone is an agnostic, since no one knows. Some people are really good at deluding themselves, though.

[minus459]

(01-24-2010 03:37 AM)dizzi90 Wrote:  Atheism and agnosticism are not mutually exclusive.

Agnosticism: "I can not know whether a god or gods exists."
Gnosticism: "I can know whether a god or gods exists."
Atheism: "I do not think that a god or gods exists."
Deist: "I think that a god or gods exists.
Theism: "I think that a god or gods exist and I know their wishes."


It occurs to me that everyone is an agnostic, strictly speaking. As far as I can tell there is no way to know for certain. I am also an atheist, because I do not have any reason to think that there is any deity. The burden of proof is after all on the deist, never mind the theist.

If you call yourself an agnostic because you don't believe in any religion but aren't sure what to think, you are an atheist by default. Atheism just means that you don't have a religion, and those that classify themselves as agnostic usually don't.

But surely agnosticism and atheism are unrelated to religion. Religion by "definition" almost always involves devotion, ritual, narrative and symbolism. How does this equate with a belief with a God or Gods except in the context of historical mainstream and obscure beliefs. Why do you conflate a belief in God or Gods with a belief in religion, they are not logically mutually inclusive and or exclusive. Most ag's or ath's in western civilisation started out rejecting the religion they were brought up in, which culminates in them rejecting God. But as far as I know one does not absolutely determine the other. Perhaps their needs to be a term for the rejection of religion, which is after all man's attempt to explain the unexplainable, the reason for existence, what will happen, what has happened, where we go et al. Religion uses God as a means to an end, to verify and justify their Religion.

[Anne]

(01-24-2010 08:39 AM)minus459 Wrote:  Perhaps their needs to be a term for the rejection of religion, which is after all man's attempt to explain the unexplainable, the reason for existence, what will happen, what has happened, where we go et al. Religion uses God as a means to an end, to verify and justify their Religion.

I've heard some identify themselves as "spiritual but not religious," which sounds like an attempt to make that very distinction.


I don't think I fit comfortably anywhere, but if I had to pick, Agnostic describes me best. I have no idea what the truth is, nor does it matter to me really. Proving or disproving the existence of God will not change my outlook on life nor my behavior towards others.

Furthermore, it does not matter to me what others believe or don't believe provided they are decent people and treat others with the respect they themselves desire.

[X_The Todd_X]

I guess my problem with agnosticism is that humans are naturally opinionated in some fashion. and in regards to god talk people like to think they know something. you might say that you are agnostic because you haven't thought too much about it. or that one side cannot prove anything... but your convictions lie somewhere.

Its like the analogy of being trapped on a mountain... the path behind you is blocked, its freezing cold an there is a 40ft long chasm in front of you. the only way off the mountain is to actually believe you can make the jump. you have one of three options...

1. believe you can jump, and attempt it... (i would consider this religious belief)
2. know you cannot make the jump and choose freeze to death (Atheism)
3. make no decision due to the lack of evidence surrounding your ability to make the jump... (agnosticism)

choice 2 and 3 result in your death whereas choice 1 your odds are increadibly slim but an attempt is made.

I believe that Agnosticism and Atheism are basically the same thing. on a fundamential basis on belief. if your not a theist... then your an atheist. any rational person would see this to mean that not deciding to believe is the same as taking a stance against belief.... cause either way... YOU DONT BELIEVE...

Agnosticism in my mind is just weak Atheism... and those who claim agnosticism just dont wish to offend.

The Todd

[TheJackel]

Agnosticism: "I believe in logic and reason but I don't know enough to decide"
Gnosticism: "I pretend I can know"
Atheism: "I need proof, I believe in logic, reason, and rationality. or I don't believe in any fallacious ideological constructs based on blind faith"
Deist: "I think that a god or gods exists.
Theism: "I think that a god or gods exist and I pretend to know their will, and wishes without having the horse speak for himself."
Realist: "I don't believe anything fallacious unless proven beyond a reasonable doubt"

I'm a Realist.. Make it real and I will take it into consideration.. Unobservable?, Evidence PLS.. Otherwise your blowing mystical smoke. Example: Big Foot...Capture me one and I will believe you..The rest is BS until then.

[prdamico]

I'm a Realist.. Make it real and I will take it into consideration.. Unobservable?, Evidence PLS.. Otherwise your blowing mystical smoke. Example: Big Foot...Capture me one and I will believe you..The rest is BS until then.
[/quote]


I captured a( jackel ) it looks kind of like a big foot ?


it has bit feet, smells, can't read , make funny sounds ,


hmm must be big foot


, oh sorry my fault not big foot


big Di_K



LOL

[British_Atheist]

I consider myself as a Atheist Agnostic.

[Anthem]

The older I get the more I understand what I believe about what I believe about the things I believe. That may not make sense but I thought it was cute.
I'm certainly not agnostic anymore. I’ve moved beyond believing into knowing. The human mind is so awesome, but people think so differently. I realize that my knowing doesn’t make it so, but knowing that doesn’t cause me to doubt either. I’ll be 60 in just a few days, and I read the obituary almost every day to see who died. I pay close attention to the age of poor souls that death took, and I realize my time is just around the corner. At this stage in life I really love what I believe. All my hope is in Christ. The reason I know is because I can see things I didn’t see before. I see that my days are numbered and there is no hope in my hand, but I have hope because I have placed myself in the hands of God.