Atheism is the belief that it can be proven that God does not exist. 4 Agnosticism, on the other hand, is the belief that man cannot know whether or not God exists. 5 It is possible to hold weaker forms of either view. 6 However, this chapter is only concerned with refuting the more dogmatic forms of atheism and agnosticism. Only the stronger forms, if proven, would defeat theism. The weaker forms leave open the possibility of theism. However, both atheism and agnosticism, in their strongest forms, are self-refuting.
In order for one to disprove God's existence (atheism), he would have to be all-knowing. 7 One would need to have the ability to see and know all things in the physical and spiritual realms. In short, one would have to be God to disprove God's existence. Of course, this is absurd.
Agnosticism is also self-defeating. One must know something about God to know that nothing can be known about God. 8 Obviously, this statement refutes itself. Therefore, agnosticism, like atheism, is a self-refuting view.
Many agnostics say that since man is finite (limited), he can never attain knowledge of an infinite (unlimited) Being. It is true that the finite cannot find the infinite on its own. However, this ignores the possibility that the infinite Being may choose to reveal Himself to finite beings
2007-03-03 20:03:21 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Atheism is the belief that god does not exist.
NOT that it can be proven that god does not exist. So there goes that part of your question.
Agnostism is the belief it cannot be proven either way OR that they have no proof either way. The majority of people who identify as agnostic fall in the latter category.
Those who believe it CAN'T be proven are probably thinking that even if a human saw something that seemed to be evidence of the existence or non-existence of a god, since we have a fairly low level of intelligence and a limited ability to understand things we still couldn't be sure it meant what it seemed to mean.
2007-03-03 20:46:41 · answer #1 · answered by helehelo 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
For one, and that i have were given stated this many circumstances, you do now no longer ought to desire to be an atheist to settle for evolution! Evolution disproves youthful earth creationism and not in any respect particularly theism. Secondly, those scientists do now no longer merely 'make themes up'. They stick to a strict peer-evaluation gadget in which scientists from around the international heavily research a unique persons findings. in addition they following the medical technique, making certain all hypotheses are examined properly. Scientists are continually tremendous-severe of even their very very own artwork, they extremely attempt to discover mistakes. in spite of each little element their study would have an effect on international society. THIRDLY, i easily have seen such cells in a microscope. and studied biology, the cellular and DNA in tremendous element. I actually have research many medical papers and made a properly-advised opinion on the challenge. Evolution is a reality. it really is efficient technologies. It does now no longer require faith. there is guidance and help everywhere. i'm hoping this concepts your question.
2016-11-27 20:21:27 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's cute that your entire arguement is based on the existence of something that leaves no evidence of its existence...despite its ability/will to "reveal" itself. By your reasoning, Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy really exist...they just do their work though our parents....right? Nice try, now get back to the kiddy table, and have some sparkling grape juice....when you're all grown up, we'll let you have a glass of wine, and you can watch the game with the rest of the adults.
2007-03-03 20:08:45 · answer #3 · answered by Doc 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Us implicit atheists, the majority, simply lack belief in God, right?
And does the premise of implicit atheism not defeat theism?
2007-03-03 20:08:39 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can't prove the other 10,000 gods worshipped dont' exist either. Or the one I just thought up. That particular god says you have to send me a check for $5,000. Right now. He says he'll damn you forever if you don't.
You can't prove my god doesn't exist. You're not all-knowing. So why aren't you going to send the check? For the same reason I don't believe in your god.
2007-03-03 20:24:54 · answer #5 · answered by eri 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I call myself Agnostic, not because I claim to not know anything of God, and can't prove him either way.
i call myself agnostic from 17 years of being in a church and seeing so many people that belive in him, and with my various friends have found many that do not belive in him. from a personal experience of having not found a god that so many people say is there, yet others say aren't.
~person who denies or doubts the possibility of ultimate knowledge in some area of study. ~
~asserting the uncertainty of all claims to knowledge.~
doubts, and uncertainty.
i have doubts on exactly what i think of the higher power. I'm uncertain, not of all claims, but of the religious claims i've seen.
I'm not agnostic because i think it is impossible to know god, and am because I haven't found him, if he does indeed exist.
2007-03-03 20:15:50 · answer #6 · answered by Maja B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO NO NO NO....
Atheism is simply the belief that there is no god and no higher power. Nothing about proof.
2007-03-03 20:08:46 · answer #7 · answered by irishcharmer84 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The trouble with religion is that most people have enough to make them hate , but never enough to make them love!
2007-03-03 20:38:22 · answer #8 · answered by charliecizarny 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋