If youre an open minded atheist?

Question

or an open minded believer, would you be considered agnostic?

Or at least partially agnostic?

Answer 1

I know there is no god, just the same way that I know that there are no polka-dotted chimpanzees dancing on my head.

I'm still open-minded about both claims: if some evidence for gods/chimpanzees arrives, I'll gladly reconsider. I don't require absolute proof of a god - any solid evidence for a god's existence (or that of the chimp in question) would make me at least look into the claim.

That's a perfectly reasonable, open-minded stance. Open-mindedness does not require one to ignore the evidential status of a claim and pretend that claims with no supporting evidence are as likely as those with supporting evidence. In fact, that would be closed-minded, obviously.

It seems to me that there is a TREMENDOUS amount of confusion here on the part of both believers and many nonbelievers about the relative importance of proof and of evidence. When it comes to knowing things about the nature of the universe, proof is unimportant, because it's so rarely available. What matters is the quality of evidence. It's asking far too much to expect "absolute, 100% proof" of anything, but to say that one "knows" on the basis of good evidence is just fine. That's how all of science works, in fact.

If the fact that I'm not 100% certain that there is no god makes you want to label me "agnostic", go ahead. Just be sure to recognize that I'm equally agnostic about the claim that there are polka-dotted chimpanzees dancing on my head, the claim that the universe was created by a Flying Spaghetti Monster, the claim that our lives are controlled by invisible pink unicorns, and the claim that the planet Venus will softly land in Kansas tomorrow morning.

Answer 2

I am an open minded atheist but I don't think that means that I would be considered agnostic.

To me being open minded simply means that if evidence was provided that contradicted my beliefs, I would consider it objectively without plugging my ears running away saying "Lalalalalalalalalala..." or otherwise ignoring the evidence just because it didn't suit my beliefs.

I would also say that I am open minded in the sense that I am open to hearing about other beliefs besides my own without giving harsh criticism and I can understand the beliefs of others and recognize that they are as valid as my own.

Answer 3

Agnostics claim either that it is not possible to have absolute or certain knowledge of God or gods; or, alternatively, that while individual certainty may be possible, they personally have no knowledge. Agnosticism in both cases involves some form of skepticism.

So- yes. However, if you are an open-minded atheist, but believe that the evidence pretty strongly supports that no god can or does exist, it's fair to call yourself an Atheist.

Richard Dawkin's, in his book, The God Delusion, maps out 7 levels of belief, with true atheism being level 7 where you 'know' there is no god. He puts himself at level 6, where he feels that it's just very unlikely that there is a god.

Answer 4

no- I am open minded in the aspect that I am tolerant- I am willing to understand why people come to their conclusions. I am willing to consider a point of view that I haven't already explored. When the topic of gods and monsters comes up, I have yet to find an argument that would compel me to think anything other than what I already do. I have one simple need that would need to be met to my satisfaction before I would believe in the existence of deities again- that all powerful god is gonna have to take about 10 minutes to introduce himself.

Now belief and submission to are two very different things. If we're talking about the biblical god- even if I was convinced that god was real, I would hate it. Its a murderer. Pure and simple.

Answer 5

Eh, there's a difference between not knowing, and considering another possibility. Of course I consider different possibilities than the choice I've already made, but I made a choice, which is the difference. Agnostics admit to not knowing and not choosing. I admit I don't know, but based on what I've seen so far, I've made a choice.

Answer 6

No, I may be open minded so that if someone presents a reasonable proof, I will not only consider it but will accept it, however until that time I don't believe in any deity.

I also consider and think about unreasonable assertions and don't just dismiss them out of hand.

Answer 7

No.

I am an open minded believer and someone yesterday tried to tell me that I'm actually agnostic. I did not appreciate someone else trying to tell me what my own religious beliefs are.

I happen to believe that God is real and Jesus came to earth to save us from our sins. I'm pretty sure that makes me a Christian.

Answer 8

I am open minded but rest assured I am atheist.

If the great high and mighty made his existence known to all in a way that there was no doubt whatsoever of his existence, then of course I would believe. I wouldn't worship it though, not if it is as described in the bible.

Answer 9

nope.

An agnostic doesn't know if there is a god or not.

I am an atheist. I see no evidence for god. Since there is a lack of evidence, the non-existence of god is logical. However, I am not a fool. If I am given real evidence that there is a god, I will reconsider my opinion. So, the challenge is then for Christians to find REAL evidence. The Bible is not evidence.

Answer 10

well, dictionary terms, no. Atheist is a definite no, but agnostic is a shrug of the shoulders and,"uhh... maybe?" I see myself more as agnostic, but atheist in the sense that the Christian god is definitely not true.