Atheist? Agnost? Skeptic? What am I?

Question

OK, looking at the definitions of each, I don't actually fall into the category of being an Atheist, agnost or skeptic, since although I reason that god does not exist, I cannot discount him entirely because, ultimately, I can't prove that he doesn't.

All I can prove is that his teachings are perhaps in need of a tweek, and that there are certain impossibilities within exodus which the bible falls flat on.

Equally, for fortean events (ghosts, paranormal activity etc) which have no scientific explanation, you have to deduce that there is another force at work that we don't know about (be it a scientific force or a spiritual one).

The fact that we don't know which one of the two it is means we can't discount the other.

In the same way, I can't disprove heaven and hell either way, so how do I claim they do or don't exist? I can't.

So, to that end, what am I?

Answer 1

Having seen some answers to your question,I think most are unrelated and off the key.There can not be any definitive answer to your question which could bear rational scrutiny. An eternal debate is continuing on this issue and may go on for ever.So,you ask,'what you are'? Well, you appear to be a person with an open mind and courage of conviction.Such people are few and they have the potential to better life on this earth,for self as well as others.Go ahead and live life king size and enjoy yourself.To HELL with .............Good luck.

Answer 2

OK...you're an atheist. Actually (to paraphrase Richard Dawkins) we are all atheists with respect to Thor, Zeus and most of the gods invented by mankind. Some of us just go a god or two further!

More seriously you've hit a real issue when you say "since although I reason that god does not exist, I cannot discount him entirely because, ultimately, I can't prove that he doesn't." The fact is that it is logically impossible to prove the non-existence of god or anything else. Their might be an invisible, undetectable creature who lives on my head (and is responsible for my receding hairline) - I don't believe that there is, but I could never disprove the theory.

It is for those who believe in the existence of something to prove that it exists. Until they do, I and many others will happily continue to be atheists.

Answer 3

I do not have to "categorize" you, however, if you think that God's teachings need to be tweeked you are in for a big fall one day. This is not to judge- however I really feel that you are seeking, because if you weren't you would not be asking these questions. Let us just go on the fact that "there might be a heaven and a hell". By the way, I believe they really do exist-and I am a Christian. Ok so they could exist- wouldn't that be enough to want to avoid hell? Know let me say something here- Christianity is not just a free ticket to heaven. It is far more than that- it is an abundant life, and also it is one that changes the whole way you live- or should if you are truly a born again believer. You seem like a skeptic to me- in that you are skeptical about about God's existence- I must say this- "It is by grace that you are saved, through faith". So evidence of His existence is not what you base your belief on. If you desire to talk more, you can email me from my homepage, if you desire too.

Answer 4

Athiest says there is no god.

Agnostic says I cannot know if there is a god.

Skeptic says I doubt everything. Can be atheistic or agnostic, or Christian for that matter.

So, in the end, you'd probably fall into the agnostic category. Since others are suggesting a flawed Dawkins to you, I would suggest reading "The Case for Faith" by Lee Strobel. He was a former atheistic skeptic who was won over by an intellctual, logical research into the historicity and claims of Jesus. His other books, "The Case for Christ" and "The Case for a Creator" are also good, but I would suggest starting with "Faith".

Answer 5

You are probably a weak atheist or an atheist leaning agnostic.

Most people make the cut on the yes or no question "Is there a god" If you would pick no, then weak atheist. If you really can't answer it, agnostic.

Look, I wouldn't 100% discount anything. Some people would argue that I am not an atheist, but I clearly am. The odds to me are so incredibly low that they have as good a chance at finding the Tooth Faerie as they do a god. You ask me that question my answer is "No" until someone comes along with new evidence.

Answer 6

Sounds like you're a free thinker. Check out the Religious Tolerance site and read the descriptions of all the religions. You'll find some interesting explanations and maybe even define yourself. There is a wealth of information on the site.

http://www.religioustolerance.org/

Answer 7

The reason you are confused is an error in your reasoning.

When someone makes a statement, no matter how fanciful it may be,(such as Big G exists or flying saucers landed last night), then it is not possible for you to disprove these statements as it in not possible to prove a negative.

The burden of proof does not rest with you however, but with the person making the statement. It is not up to you to disprove something but rather it is up to them to prove that what they say is valid. Show me the flying saucer - show me Big G.

Answer 8

You don't believe in gods. Therefore by definition you are an atheist. Atheism simply means without (a) god belief ( theism)

You didn't claim knowledge of gods was impossible. If you made such a claim you would be an agnostic atheist. Agnosticism as it was originally defined has nothing to do with belief. It is the philosophical stance that fundamental knowledge of the basis for reality is impossible to obtain. Unfortunately many people have lost the original meaning of agnosticism.

Leaving the definition of Atheism and Agnosticism to the majority Christian population is like Nazi Germany defining Judaism in the 1930s. It merely leads to a greater lack of understanding.

Answer 9

You are in with a chance!

The very fact that you are asking (because you are thinking about the problems of faith / belief in God) shows a concern, and that you are open to possibilities. It is perfectly understandable that you think God's teachings need a bit of a tweak, given that you probably don't have a clear grasp of what those teachings are (you didn't even specify what teachings of which God!) I recommend you read the gospel of John in the Bible. And lots of Christians on this site will be praying for you - not for God to prove he exists (given who he is - the Creator - and that you are one of his creatures, your very existence is proof enough) but for God to awaken you to your need of him. Be blessed.

Answer 10

I'd say atheist, cause we can't disprove all gods, but the omni god of the abrahamic religions is logically impossible, you could make one that is reasonable, but you'll have to take out a bunch of characteristics; and is that even worthy of being called god? (a sort of demigod is possible though)