So here's the problem: I do not believe in god, or any other higher power. I rely heavily on science and facts to explain the world. However, I admit to myself that I can't disprove the existence of a higher power. I don't personally believe there is one, but if there were one, and it didn't want us to know about it, then there really would be no way to. So, in the strictest definition of both words, would I be called an atheist or an agnostic?
2006-07-17 08:09:29 · 19 answers · asked by gfmech 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I think you're more of an atheist.
You're stuck in the problem that if something cannot be proved to exist there is a probablity of it existing. However, you need to think through it rationally. For example, I can't prove there is a tea set for six on the other side of the moon, but thinking rationally about it the probablity of it existing is pretty slim.
2006-07-17 08:21:11 · answer #1 · answered by The Yeti 3 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Think u sound mostly athiest and sort of a bit agnostic. I guess ur athiest if don't believe in any God or higher power. But u sound a bit agnostic coz u admit maybe there's a God but but u don't believe God exist urself. I'm confused now.
2006-07-17 15:25:38 · answer #2 · answered by xoɟ ʍous 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In all honesty, I would have to say that your an atheist. A lot of people seem to think that just because we don't believe in any sort of higher power, that we have to be able to prove that there isn't one. The thing most don't realize is that those who "believe" can't prove that there is a higher power, just as we can't prove that there isn't one, in fact, it is against most religions to prove that the supreme diety or dieties exist. So, if you are beyond a doubt that there is no higher power (even if you can't prove it) then you are most definitely an atheist.
2006-07-17 15:17:27 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you'd be agnostic if you have some doubt as to whether or not a higher power exists. Atheists don't believe in a higher power at all.
2006-07-17 15:13:05 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
What does your life look like? If you were a true agnostic - not wanting to commit, because you say you can't know, then you might try living as an atheist for a while. Then try living as a theist for a while. See if that helps solve the knowledge issue.
For most 'agnostics' that I know, they live like there is no God, but say they don't know. Their lifestyle denies their agnosticism and tells me they really believe atheism.
2006-07-17 15:20:50 · answer #5 · answered by more than a hat rack 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's impossible to prove a negative. There really is no way of knowing 100%. But if you have enough empirical evidence to be able to state that you don't believe in god or gods, you are probably atheist. It might take a while to get used to that kind of label, which may be why you are confused as to how to label it. :) But it doesn't really matter, you're not a theist and it's not that important to use a blanket term for your non-faith.
2006-07-17 15:53:13 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say if you're not completely 100% convinced that there is no higher power that exists that you're an agnostic.
2006-07-17 15:13:40 · answer #7 · answered by wilsonaj101177 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You say " I do not believe in gor, or any other higher power". That is pretty well the definition of an athiest. No matter how many disclaimers you put after it.
2006-07-17 15:14:01 · answer #8 · answered by seeker100 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are clearly an agnostic...Continue to question and whatever you do don't ever give into a Religion. Would advise you check out WWW.UUA.ORG the folks there will help you in your journey. PEACE!
2006-07-17 15:18:43 · answer #9 · answered by thebigm57 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are an atheist with healthy agnostic tendencies. You don't believe, but you also feel that full knowledge is impossible.
2006-07-17 15:12:47 · answer #10 · answered by mathematician 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋