There seems to be a discrepancy of what the agnostic philosophy is exactly.
Some people say it means 'you are unsure whether or not God exists'.
Others say it is the 'positive assertion that you cannot know whether or not God exists'.
So, which does it mean?
"Gee I don't know if god exists or not."
or
"It is impossible to know if God exists." ?
2007-08-15 18:59:47 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
gnosis=to know, to have knowldge of
from gignOskein "to know"
gnome: knower of the earth
Add the A it means without
agnostic
atheist
thus an agnostic literally " does not know" or "is without knowledge"
2007-08-15 19:03:33 · answer #1 · answered by Br. Benjamin 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm agnostic. If someone asked me if there is a God, I'd say, "I dunno!" I am absolutely unqualified to make a statement on the subject unless it's understood to be subjective, because I've never seen a God. Therefore, based on my knowledge, I don't know if there is a God.
If a Christian/Jew/Muslim came up to me and said, "Of course there's a God and if you don't believe me, you'll go to hell," I would have to wonder what makes this guy an authority on God that I should believe him? So I still wouldn't believe.
If they brought me their book and shoved it in my face and said,"THIS proves there is a God," I'd have to take it and look through for pictures because just because somebody SAYS there's a God does NOT make it so. And just because somebody SAYS a book tells the truth, does not make it so.
That's where I stand anyway. It's not easy being an agnostic moose.
.
2007-08-16 02:21:51 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do not consider it an insult, but rather a compliment to be called an agnostic. I do not pretend to know where many ignorant men are sure -- that is all that agnosticism means.
- Clarence Darrow
Scopes trial
Dayton, Tennessee, July 13, 1925
2007-08-16 02:32:39 · answer #3 · answered by IGotsFacts! 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Agosticism and gnosticism have to do with KNOWLEDGE.
Atheism and theism have to do with BELIEF.
An agnostic does not claim to KNOW 100%.
Atheist-agnostic: Simply absence of belief in a god or gods.
Theist-agnostic: Simply has belief in a god or gods.
No assertion with agnosticism.
2007-08-16 02:05:07 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
"I am unsure whether God exists and I don't care". That is what agnostics tell me they consider themselves to believe.
2007-08-16 02:11:45 · answer #5 · answered by Feivel 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My own definition is sitting on the fence, watching, observing, learning, growing, but not drawing any conclusions, while everyone else gets dirty. :) I love my fence! :)
EDIT: And keeping an open mind, staying free of religious sludge, being free to explore possibilities and philosophies without fear of hell . . . and yes, not knowing the who, what, why, where, when, how, and IF of 'God.'
2007-08-16 02:04:34 · answer #6 · answered by Meow 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it's basically sitting on the god belief fence .
2007-08-16 02:07:30 · answer #7 · answered by dogpatch USA 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
go to dictionary.com
2007-08-16 02:05:13 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋