I don't get it. They aren't sure God/dess exists, and that is their right. It almost seems like some people want to force them to make a choice, or think they are ridiculous for not doing so. Why?
2007-12-04 16:49:06 · 9 answers · asked by frenzy-CIB- Jim's with Jesus 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I see your point, Ninja, but we know that both. A and B exist. The existence of either is not in question; therefore, it isn't the same scenario.
2007-12-04 16:58:34 · update #1
I see your point, Ninja, but we know that both. A and B exist. The existence of either is not in question; therefore, it isn't the same scenario.
2007-12-04 16:58:36 · update #2
Sorry about double post.
2007-12-04 17:00:10 · update #3
well, i sit on the fence because i haven't determined a satisfactory definition of the word "God". we use the word a lot but when each person uses it they each mean a different thing. with no agreed upon definition and so no criteria on which to form a judgment and no context in which to form it all i can do is **shrug**. religious folks are absolutely positive their chosen deity exists. atheists are absolutely positive that no "God" exists. IMO they're both right but both wrong.
the religious folks are wrong because they believe they know what "God"is. atheists are wrong because they believe they no what "God" isn't.
religious folks are right in that there is a higher power, be it natural or supernatural "something" creates/sustains/destroys/ ... everything ... is everything.
the atheists are right in that human being create deities. we humans project our self aggrandizing concepts on to the canvas of that mysterious "something", make it in our image and give it a name.
but this is only an opinion. i don't know what "God" is anymore than anyone else.
2007-12-04 17:12:13 · answer #1 · answered by nebtet 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think I've ever criticized "agnostics" for fence sitting...but now that I think about it, I can see a valid criticism of a particular individual. I agree it is every person's right to be unsure, but I do think there is something a bit "lazy" about establishing permanent residence on the fence. Sitting on the fence while scanning your environment is one thing...building a house on that fence because you don't want to face the uncertainty on either side is quite another!
2007-12-05 01:42:03 · answer #2 · answered by KAL 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's because believers have crises of faith and have to convince others that they are right. If they can get agreement, they have temporary confirmation of the validity of their faith. Agnosticism is not comfortable, it's much more satisfying to "know" however it maybe true that we cannot ever "know".
I mean what kind of person says I haven't seen conclusive proof but in my heart I know? Why should we respect that position or hold it up as good. It's a denial of intelligence, God given or not, to believe without doubt
2007-12-05 01:04:18 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
From my perspective, it means you haven't investigated it enough to form a belief one way or the other. If you have investigated it thoroughly, and still find no compelling evidence for gods, then why still call youself an agnostic at that point? If you HAVE found compelling evidence, then again, why call yourself an agnostic.
If you really don't care enough to investigate, then why not just say you're apathetic rather than saying you're agnostic?
2007-12-05 00:54:35 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have never criticized the agnostic's views. I respect their point of view more than anyone else's. They are right to admit they don't know. Nobody knows, but only the agnostics have the integrity to admit it and usually the sense not to point out the irrationality of anyone who claims to know the truth.
2007-12-05 01:02:07 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I think the fence is a pretty good place to be, personally.
A truly wise person is one who admits the limits of their own knowledge.
2007-12-05 00:56:20 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Well, put it this way, what do you call a person who goes around telling you :
"Yes, it might be the case, we have no way of knowing".
As in :
A ask B : "Do you think C is a great guy?"
B replied : "Yes, it might be the case, we have no way of knowing"
D ask B: " Do you think C is a lousy person?"
B replied : "Yes, it might be the case, we have no way of knowing"
2007-12-05 00:55:14 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most people don't claim to be agnostic in regards to vampires or leprechauns.
2007-12-05 00:56:45 · answer #8 · answered by Keyring 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I've only got a problem with the militant agnostics.
"I'm not sure AND NEITHER ARE YOU!"
2007-12-05 00:51:56 · answer #9 · answered by STFU Dude 6 · 6⤊ 0⤋