am i atheist agnostic or christian or what?

Question

I'm at something of a crossroads in regard to religion. I was born and raised LDS, things that I've seen and experienced have since led me from believing that it is the one and only true faith. I've seen things that have left no doubt in my mind there is a god, as well as more things that led me to think that their could in no way be an all loving god that created us in his image. Yet some part of me tells me that their must be some ''higher power'' that created us. I'm not looking for advise like '"go pray'' ''have faith'' or ''read the bible'' I'm just curious as to what i should classify myself as

Answer 1

Let's clarify....

You believe that there is some type of higher power that created everything, yet you seem to believe that this higher power doesn't play a part in the day to day workings of the universe.

That pretty much sums up Deism.

You are not an atheist, as you believe in a god.

You could be described as agnostic, if you are unsure of the nature of that higher power. Agnosticism is not about belief, it is about knowledge (or the lack thereof).

You COULD be a Christian, if you believe that the personage of Jesus of Nazareth is a manifestation of that higher power. You would be a non-traditional Christian, but a Christian nonetheless. If you don't worship or follow Jesus, you are not a Christian.

Hope that helps.

Answer 2

There is not just one religion, you know. You could consider looking into other faiths too. Most faiths will admit that their gods aren't perfect; it tends to be just the monotheistic ones that do that.

Though if you would like to stick closer to the Christian path than polytheism, you could check out Gnosticism. That might be the kind of thing you're looking for.

I would say you're not an atheist or agnostic, because you say you're sure there is a god. However, since Christianity professes that it is the one true faith, and that God is all loving, you are clearly not Christian either.

You're searching. Just go with that.

Answer 3

If you absolutely feel the need to classify yourself, it sounds like you are an agnostic, like myself.

We are fence post sitters. We believe in the possibility of higher power, god or gods, etc. We don't necessarily believe in a specific religion, the bible or any other holy book, etc.

Agnostic is a very general, open classification that can mean lots of things. And that sounds like you my friend.

Answer 4

If you believe in a 'higher power', you're neither atheists nor agnostic.

Unless you can rid yourself of this delusion, you will probably find a religion somewhere that matches you requirements. Or, just make your own god up - everyone else does.

CD

Answer 5

Maybe you're a normal rational human that doesn't place faith in supernatural myths without any real proof. It's a noble world view to have. Don't worry, being non-religious is okay. You can still live a happy normal RATIONAL life.

Answer 6

You really don't need to label yourself. Just believe in what you think is true.

Generally, the real reason to adopt a religious label is so that you can express your beliefs to others in a quick and easy way. However, the actual beliefs of most people don't usually coincide perfectly with the stated doctrine of any particular group, (unless they try really hard to force themselves to believe in every aspect of that doctrine).

In addition, many people will have inaccurate ideas about various religious groups. So, while using a label for your beliefs might seem handy, it can often just lead to people forming wrong ideas about you.

I have my own beliefs and I don't really care if they fit with the doctrine of any given group or not. I also don't really care if anyone else actually knows the details of every little idea I choose to subscribe to. So, I consider myself to have my own religion, and I don't give it a name.

Answer 7

Atheist - doesnt believe in any kind of higher power or god
Agnostic - unsure
Christian - a faith in god and jesus

Answer 8

i am in a relativly similar position. I believe there is one ultimate being but I don't call it God. My approach to this is to study every religion I hear about and learn how they feel about their diety.

I believe that all religions are like peices to one big puzzle. Humans interpret one God many different way and so to find this One God I look to al religions. I call myself ecclectic. or a roughly a Christian gnostic.

I have seen the same things you are talking about. I believe that my goal is not to find religion, but to find God.

Answer 9

You could classify yourself as a Seeker. One who believes in God, yet doesn't know yet the expanse of your belief. You are one who challenges what has been taught to you, dislike false assumptions, and don't like to blindly trust and call it faith.

Answer 10

Why not just say that you're a seeker of truth (small jab, when you find it we atheist will be there to welcome you).

Seriously, you don't need a label, but from the description, I'd say agnostic. Continue to learn and develop your sense of objective thinking i.e. evaluating statements based on merit/facts not belief.