As an agnostic how would picking a side change my life in any particular way?
Thanks
2007-12-22 07:56:18 · 14 answers · asked by queen of snarky-yack again 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Ohh I do love Colbert!!
2007-12-22 08:07:04 · update #1
Dear Queen,
I am an atheist. You know, there are lots of people who think or pretend they are atheists, yet they are not. In my view, they are anti-theistic agnostics.
An atheist don't believe in any "god".
An atheist do believe that "gods" DO NOT exist.
(and I would add: an atheist doesn't worship anything nor any being).
Some say atheists have a lack of belief: I do not agree. Atheists DO believe that gods don't exist. It really is a belief (or disbelief, depends on which side you observe).
Agnostics have no belief about the existence of the inexistence of "gods", because they claim their existence/inexistence is unknowable.
Therefore, they aren't able to make a decision (until they are shown a proof). It is question of scientific proceeding.
BUT intrinsically, agnostics mean that the question of the existence/inexistence of god(s) is worth it spending time on it. This means that agnostics do believe in god(s) existence, otherwise, they wouldn't care at all.
Someone who intimately doesn't care about the existence/inexistence of "gods" is an... atheist.
Many agnostics don't want to "confess" they believe in some kind of higher entity, but they don't want to name it "god" and they don't trust the reliability of religions.
That's what is kind of irritating: atheists and believers are courageous to state their own believes/disbelieves.
Many agnostics just don't know if they believe in the existence of god(s) or not. They aren't original agnostics who claim that the existence/inexistence of gods are unknowable.
Those agnostics don't think about the "unknowability": they just feel something inside, they don't know how to label that, and that's all. They actually are DEISTS, not agnostics.
My answer to your question now (lol):
- a strong agnostic has no reason to pick a side. The strength of a strong agnostic is to logically/scientifically prove to others that the existence/inexistence of a deity is UNKNOWABLE.
We expect strong agnostics to be good arbitrators. We don't expect them to pick a side.
Atheists and believers DARE to believe. Strong agnostics must be "referee" somehow.
- deistic agnostics / agnostical deists: well, they don't stick to "unknowability"... It's hard to know what label fits best.
Actually, they aren't agnostics. They do believe in a higher entity, they name it the way they wish.
Their life will change when they pick the spiritual stream which provides the vocabulary that resonates most with them.
Well, I don't know you, but I think you are an "original" agnostic: you do know that fundamental question of "unknowability".
You can thank all the people who question your believes, because this can only help you evolve.
I always pay attention to the questions that deeply resonate with me: this means they reach a resonating string inside of me.
2007-12-22 08:40:37 · answer #1 · answered by Axel ∇ 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Because God usually proves He exists rather quickly. For example, I know alot of people that are agnostic because they like you said, don't know whether or not God exists. They haven't really formed an opinion about it yet or maybe haven't put much thought into it. It's more of an excuse than a belief. Then, when they start to think about it. They realize that things are a little to strange, unique, vast and complex and life becomes scary without someone being in control of it all. So, then they say, "Okay after talking to you, I can see that there is a God, but what kind of God? Mother Earth, Zeus, Allah, or Jesus?" And I describe that God is unique and the stories and truth you find in the bible best line up to the world and how it is. A book about Fathers, Sons, Pain, Trials, Love, Peace, what works and what doesn't. Then when you read it and live life, you realize it's true. The author of the bible is the author of the world. It's amazing to see the truth. P.S. I used to be agnostic...
2016-04-10 13:12:47 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, first of all you probably will not feel any attraction to any side in the beginning.
I would suggest to start investigating about God, and if there was any possibility that he could exsist.
Just be open to whatever someone has to tell about God.
Even though you don't really know wether they're right or not, just listen.
As you'll spend time in searching who God is, you will come to the conclusion God must exsist!
I'm just saying this to you, allthough I hope a time may come you'll figure this out yourself..,
but don't be preassurised!
Just take your timein investigating, untill you understand both sides!
Only when you'll know enough and you've spend enough time investigating about God, you'll find out wether or He's true or not!
I hope this quest will help you find him though!
2007-12-22 08:41:17 · answer #3 · answered by ProDigit 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People should do what feels correct to their inner self - if being an agnostic is what is right for you, then why listen to anyone who says differently. Nice thing about this planet - we're all different.
2007-12-22 08:07:31 · answer #4 · answered by genaddt 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I'm torn... do I answer your question seriously? Should I answer it with humor? I don't know.... I guess I'll stay agnostic on this question.
*nudge*
2007-12-22 08:13:33 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Wouldn't change your life, but if you're not agnostic about the existence of unicorns, then I don't know why you would be about the existence of God.
2007-12-22 08:01:55 · answer #6 · answered by Stefan 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I'm more of an apathetic agnostic. I don't know and I don't care.
2007-12-22 08:19:43 · answer #7 · answered by Icy Gazpacho 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Nope. You shouldn't have to. It's all part of being agnostic.
2007-12-22 07:59:25 · answer #8 · answered by Ana 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Nope. Can't even give you an illogical reason.
Just do what works for you.
2007-12-22 08:33:52 · answer #9 · answered by ontheroadagainwithoutyou 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
"Agnostics are atheist with no balls."
--Stephen Colbert--
(his words, not mine)
2007-12-22 08:01:53 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋