2007-01-14 07:16:41 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Atheism is a commitment to the nonexistance of God.
Agnosticism is a recognition that no one on Earth can ever really know if God exists.
Pascal's Wager advocates are covering their bets.
2007-01-14 07:20:53 · answer #1 · answered by Mr. Bad Day 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Many agnostics I know are torn between theism and atheism. They were raised into a religion but are moving toward atheism. They usually don't stay in the agnostic state for long.
Many people who are really atheists call themselves agnostics because there isn't as much prejudice against agnostics as there is against atheists. In actuality, there isn't a big difference between agnosticism and atheism; agnosticism just has a better connotation.
2007-01-14 07:24:19 · answer #2 · answered by Halley 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No... I simply refuse to admit I know everything..... whereas both atheists and theists claim they know for certain. I keep questioning and keep digging for the truth, so far the score is as follows....
For gods existence... 0 points
Against gods existence..... 1 billion points
That doesnt mean the results are ready to be tallied yet... I wont truly know until I die... when I do I will know for certain now wont I? until then I dont discount any possibility, not to "cover my bets" as you say but because I really dont THINK god exists, all evidence points against it... but I am open-minded by nature and I cannot claim to KNOW for certain something doesnt exist when there is no possible way of proving it...until death.
2007-01-14 07:36:21 · answer #3 · answered by Kelly + Eternal Universal Energy 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No, I don't think so. I think agnostics are usually people who admit that there can be no certain answer about the nature and existance of God(s). They don't want to choose a religion that doesn't fit them, yet they are too curious and perhaps open minded to dismiss the possibility of some manner of Gos(s) existing, so they are agnostic, which means "without knowledge".
2007-01-14 07:21:51 · answer #4 · answered by melaskinados 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Ok, look at it this way. There is one large situation that defines theists atheists and agnostics:
"There is evidence against the existence of God. But belief in God does not require evidence"
Theist: I choose to beleive in God despite there being no evidence that he exists
Atheist: I choose not to beleive in God because the evidence makes it appear the most sensible thing to do.
Agnsotic: I know that evidence points to God not existing and that faith doesn't require it. I know that there can never be a way to find out for sure whether he exists or not so it is my choice to reserve judgment.
2007-01-14 07:25:37 · answer #5 · answered by jleslie4585 5 · 5⤊ 0⤋
No. Some people truly and honestly believe that they (or humans in general) will never possess definite knowledge regarding the existence of deities. Sitting on the fence isn't an indication of cowardliness or unwillingness to commit to "either side". Agnosticism is it's own "side". Many people (both theists and atheists) disagree with this but they can't simply argue agnosticism away.
2007-01-14 07:19:07 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
Agnostic theists believe there is a god, but don't say "I 100% believe there is a god".
Agnostic atheists say, "I do not believe a god exists" - they simply lack the belief.
Why don't you study up more on agnosticism, gnosticism, theism and atheism?
2007-01-14 07:21:34 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
No, agnostics do not deny the possibility of an intelligent creator, such as God, but they don't believe that there is any scientific way to prove this.
Atheists deny any existence of an intelligent creator.
2007-01-14 07:21:45 · answer #8 · answered by Missing 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
No. Atheists firmly believe God does not exist. Agnostics question the existence of God.
2007-01-14 07:20:14 · answer #9 · answered by David M 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
I guess they're just people trying to figure out whether God exists or not - undecided.
2007-01-14 07:20:21 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋