To the agnostics in the house....?

Question

I was raised a catholic but have not practiced since I first went to college and thought that my faith had gone out of me. I feel a bit odd...because my boyfriend says he's an agnostic and I have a hard time with that...seems like my faith is moving to the forefront maybe because I don't understand his lack of believing in anything...PLease help me understand what being an agnostic is all about and what do you do when other religious type people would pray (like say in the instance of joyous occasions, breathtaking situations, crisis or severe illness or death). I just want to "get it!"

Answer 1

An agnostic is someone who does not affirm that God exists, and, often, doesn't deny it either. They range from people who are "on the fence" about whether God exists, to people who simply haven't weighed in on or considered the issue enough, to people who are essentially atheists but want to emphasize that they do not claim certainty or knowledge of God's existence (in the same way that you deny unicorns without claiming certainty or knowledge of theirs).

People often try to draw a sharp dividing line between agnosticism and atheism, but where that line falls almost invariably changes from person to person; everyone has a different conception of what an "agnostic" is and an "atheist" is, so personally I just try to avoid the labels and explicitly state what I believe. For some people, for example, "atheist" simply means a nontheist--someone who doesn't believe in God. For others, in contrast, an "atheist" is someone who hates God, is opposed to religion, dogmatically asserts that no deities could possibly exist, etc. Most people fall between those two extremes at varying points. Because sometimes this means that "atheist" and "agnostic" can overlap, some people prefer to use the term "agnostic atheist". (And, likewise, some people who are theists but don't claim to know or be certain of God, call themselves "agnostic theists".)

Agnostics vary wildly, so it's difficult to really explain what an agnostic would "do" in a given situation; there's so much diversity among nonbelievers that it's breathtaking. In general, however, agnostics either have very vague spiritual or religious views (sometimes akin to deism, pantheism, etc.), or they are simply not religious at all. So, they probably wouldn't pray, though they are unlikely to begrudge the prayer of others. Rather than praying for people, an agnostic would just wish that person well, or try to work to directly help that person.

Answer 2

Congratulations, your taking your first steps into reality. I don't have enough motivation to type out all my thoughts here. But I would first recommend researching the difference between being an atheist and an agnostic. Google would be better suited to answer your questions than most of the knuckle heads here. Do some research, you spent some time in a college class, you should be pro at it :)

Answer 3

Agnostics have their own beliefs on God. Not Every Agnostic believes the same as another. They may share some beliefs with others but for the most part their beliefs are unique.
Some just don't know if there is a God and some could care less if there is one until you prove it.

Answer 4

Agnostic is a term used by Christians to catagorize something they don't understand.

Basically, someone is does not believe in God but also does not not belief in God is often called Agnostic.

People who hold no particular beliefs about a diety usually lead happier lives. Go with it.

Answer 5

Agnostics either do not know, do not care, or possibly both, whether or not there is a God. They believe that there is no way to prove to existence or non-existence of a God...and that it's impossible to ever truly "know" one way or the other.

Answer 6

An agnostic is a person who is still asking questions. People who are certain make me nervous.

Answer 7

My husband is atheist (he could be agnostic but I don't really know) and I have always believed in 'something'. I do what I do and he does what he does. I don't have to believe the same thing and neither does he.

Answer 8

I don't believe in a supernatural man in the sky. I don't need to pray or ask for guidance. I'm smart enough and educated enough to find all the answers. Why do you need a God? Can you prove he's ever done anything for you?

Answer 9

Agnostic is not believeing in anything. Agnostic is not believeing in organized religion. If he is an agnostic, he believes in God, just doesnt prescribe with any current religions..

Atheist on the other hand, DO NOT belive in God. you may have them confused

Answer 10

Don't confuse agnostic with atheist - atheist says "there is no god", agnostic simply says "I don't know WTF is going on". I think since we can't really know for sure, that saying I don't know is the only honest and intellectually responsible thing TO say.