Most agnostics claim there is no evidence to support God belief, so why don't they call themselves atheists

Question

If a person doesn't believe in supernatural God(s), for whatever reason, he is an atheist.

Why do so many hide behind a weasel word (agnostic literally translates to mean ignorant) when they are in fact atheists?

The claim there is no evidence of non-existence is technically correct, but it is a meaningless excuse since non-existence cannot and does not need to be proven.

I am an atheist because there is no evidence to support God belief. The day someone provides any such (credible) evidence, I will no longer be an atheist.

atheism:

a : a disbelief in the existence of deity

b : the doctrine that there is no deity

http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/atheism...

All things are possible. Claiming it is possible a God exists does not negate the lack of belief that any such entity exists.

You either believe God exists, or you don't believe God exists. Claiming "maybe" is not a choice, it is an excuse.

Really, Elwood?

ignorant

1. Lacking education or knowledge.

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/ignoran...

You said agnostic means "without knowledge"? That is the same as "ignorant."

No, Blackacre, you are incorrect. Not believing in God is atheism regardless why you don't believe in God.

Hi, Las Vegas Steve,

I called myself "agnostic" for many years because I fell into that trap (I don't know). The word agnostic was invented in 1870 by a cowardly atheist fearful of public opinion.

Since there is no evidence to support God belief, the only option is atheism. Non-existence cannot and need not be proven. Claiming I am waiting for evidence of non-existence is intellectually dishonest. I'm waiting for evidence of existence. Until such time, I shall remain an atheist. And, reject the weasel word "agnostic" sinice it really has no meaning. (other than ignorant)

To Will:

If you began asserting such a planet existed, you would be required to prove that it did. And, if you couldn't, intelligent people would reject your claim.

Non-existence is assumed; existence must be proven.

Answer 1

I think the reason most agnostics don't call themselves atheists is a lot simpler to explain than some of the compex responses you've received. You are essentially right; agnostics are dodging(hiding, as you put it) the question because to be in a state of agnosticism in the first place, means you haven't committed to an answer to the God exists question, one way or the other. I think agnostics are basically afraid to reject God, but they don't believe in a blind faith kind of a way to accept Him either. It is a point in all directions is no point at all. If you wish to go somewhere, think linear. Covering all bases is baseless.
If you really think about it, being agnostic is like not believing in not believing!!!! Or why not, not believe in God?

Answer 2

Well, I won't attempt to speak for any of the other agnostics...but as for me I am an agnostic for many reasons. I would probably be labled a strong agnostic or possibly a weak atheist. I do not know if there is a god, but more importantly I do not care. If I had to state it one way or the other I would say there is no god. However, I do believe that human potential has some incredible facets to it that I call paranormal NOT supernatural. I don't believe there is anything super or outside of natural about them, but they are outside of the norm. I believe they may be the next human evolution. But as they are yet unexplained, I am yet an agnostic. There is a spiritual hunger and thirst within humans that makes me wonder if we are not god. Maybe I'm a humanist. Hmmm, maybe I don't want a label at all.

Besides I like sitting on the fence. I can better view both camps and I seem to have a fence post fetish.

Answer 3

Lots of people claim to be what they're not my friend. A
hypocrite, as you might know, is someone who claims to
believe in something he doesn't really believe in. And the
majority of people are hypocrites by proxy. Not intentionally, but because they simply don't take the time to discover what they
are supposed to believe.
Have you heard that the word "skeptic' comes from a town
in ancient Greece, where the people had no knowledge
of what went on outside of their own little town. Calling
someone a skeptic was a put down.
There is nothing wrong with a little healthy skepticism. But
most people who brag about being skeptical, are bragging about the fact they don't know squat!

Answer 4

Listen to me old man. You might charm your way around these child-like people, making them believe you are an Evil Santa. A sadist at that. The truth is: you have no idea of what you are talking about. You have no proof God does not exist. You do not even know the world that surrounds you. Every little thing you do in life amounts to nothing. Admit it, either life evolves around God or there is no life. Just so you know, even Lucifer serves God. The more you question the bible the more you believe in it.

Answer 5

You are an idiot.

A true Agnostic believes there could be a God but does not believe in any organized religions definition of God.

That is quite an easy step to take considering that modern organized religion was made up during a time when most people were afraid of thunderstorms.

Answer 6

Not true. A true Athiest would believe there is no God, while an Agnostic simply has seen no evidence either way. There is a world of difference between not believing in a God and believeing there is no God.

Answer 7

you're a authorized person and so as that they throw away your possessions provided that they disagree with the content cloth? no longer rapidly, it is almost extra f'ed up than bringing in a pastor to bully you back into their faith. actual, i believe the marvelous element you will do for your self is to get a component-time pastime and start up saving up funds with the point to discover a roommate and pass out of your mothers and fathers' apartment; it extremely is an incredibly poisonous and unwelcoming atmosphere, and staying there is not any longer doing all your actual or psychological wellbeing any favors. as quickly as you're actually no longer financially in keeping with them, it is going to be sturdy to "out" your self as an atheist, provided that they would not be waiting to break you for it. i'm sorry you have gotten such unsupportive and unloving mothers and fathers. I desire you have gotten a help technique in undertaking interior the form of co-workers and extra accepting sped up kinfolk.

Answer 8

Well what one must remember is that Agnostics believe there could or couldn't be a God, or any of that sort. They are open to either, whichever is proven first. Hope that helps you.

Answer 9

Agnositic does NOT translate into ignorant - it translates into 'without knowledge' - big difference.

And as has been pointed out there also is a big difference between not knowing if there is a god or believing that there is no god.....

kinda like calling you a catholic, if you are lutheran.... six of one half a dozen of the other... all christians, right?

Answer 10

I am an Agnostic because I have the humble belief that it is impossible to know ANYTHING for sure, let alone IF there is or isn't a God or Gods, and how he/she/it/they work. To claim knowing anything as immense as how the universe works is an arrogance!