As philosopher William L. Rowe puts it, agnosticism is the view that humanity lacks the requisite knowledge or sufficient rational grounds to justify either belief: that there exists some deity, or that no deities exist.
Undoubtedly , a common stance held in the world today. Agnostics usually hold themselves in a “Category 3” of sorts. For centuries the question was almost always either “Do you believe in God or do you not?” Whatever your response was, either yes or no, bore a tremendous weight with it. Either yes, God is indeed real, and that bears a huge responsibility on one’s life. Suddenly morals, how you act, live, etc., all become of infinite importance (Especially if we focus in on Christianity and the words of Jesus, but that’s another article entirely.) On the contrary, if we firmly believe that there is no God, that this is it, that the only thing that happens after death is that we become fertilizer, then there isn’t anything to hope for. You’d better enjoy life now because this is all you’ll get.
Looking a bit closer at Theism and Atheism, they essentially boil down to this:
Theism: There is a God
Atheism: There is no God
And finally, the topic of interest – Agnosticism:
Agnosticism: We don’t know if there’s a God and are unwilling to commit either way
Undoubtedly , a common stance held in the world today. Agnostics usually hold themselves in a “Category 3” of sorts. For centuries the question was almost always either “Do you believe in God or do you not?” Whatever your response was, either yes or no, bore a tremendous weight with it. Either yes, God is indeed real, and that bears a huge responsibility on one’s life. Suddenly morals, how you act, live, etc., all become of infinite importance (Especially if we focus in on Christianity and the words of Jesus, but that’s another article entirely.) On the contrary, if we firmly believe that there is no God, that this is it, that the only thing that happens after death is that we become fertilizer, then there isn’t anything to hope for. You’d better enjoy life now because this is all you’ll get.
Looking a bit closer at Theism and Atheism, they essentially boil down to this:
Theism: There is a God
Atheism: There is no God
And finally, the topic of interest – Agnosticism:
Agnosticism: We don’t know if there’s a God and are unwilling to commit either way
The largest appeal for an increasingly secular world is that agnosticism seems to take away the burden of responsibility of an otherwise incredibly burdensome question. In a world full on non-commitment and the easy way out, agnosticism presents itself as both. The problem here, however, is that it often leads to dismissal of thought. Contrary to the popular opinion, there is indeed a large amount of information that can be studied on theology. Enough information that you should be able to surmise a conclusion one way or another with a brief gander at any number of books, documents, etc.
The other problem with agnosticism being the “Category 3” choice, is that it really isn’t. It’s just another form of the Category 2 answer, “There is no God.” Unfortunately for those seeking an easy way out, there is no middle ground here, just as there is no middle ground in any relationship. Like a marriage proposal, if the answer to the question “Will you marry me?” is “I don’t know.” Then you are not married. Indecision is a decision.
The other problem with agnosticism being the “Category 3” choice, is that it really isn’t. It’s just another form of the Category 2 answer, “There is no God.” Unfortunately for those seeking an easy way out, there is no middle ground here, just as there is no middle ground in any relationship. Like a marriage proposal, if the answer to the question “Will you marry me?” is “I don’t know.” Then you are not married. Indecision is a decision.
An important piece of information when looking at agnosticism is to study the etymology. The word breaks down into its Greek parts of
a - not
gnosis – knowledge
Which can be translated as “without knowledge” , or more directly, “ignorance”.
Agnosticism runs into the same problem as the culture of moral relativism does. The whole “There is no absolute truth. You must take this statement as absolutely true” dilemma.
Also…
a - not
gnosis – knowledge
Which can be translated as “without knowledge” , or more directly, “ignorance”.
Agnosticism runs into the same problem as the culture of moral relativism does. The whole “There is no absolute truth. You must take this statement as absolutely true” dilemma.
Also…
In the same way that not having proof of life on other planets is not a reason to commit oneself that there is no life on other planets at all, this can be applied to God as well. In a secular world that tends to dismiss faith at the favor of science, inconsistencies such as this are all too common.
Agnostics are unwilling to commit themselves to faith, but in doing so display a faith more firm and fervent than many of the people who consider themselves theists. It is misapplication of faith: faith in one’s own doubts. Agnostics doubt too little, not too much. They never doubt their doubts. Their doubts are enshrined, and then it is projected that all other people should have doubts.
The characteristic of any false religion is “My will be done.” Agnosticism (and atheism alike) leads to, at least intellectually, idolatry. Everybody makes a God of something. For many, it is themselves. Commitment is a necessary part of life, whether we like it or not – and with commitment comes consequences, no matter what that decision may be.
You have the option to pursue truth, no matter how inconvenient, frightening, or shocking that truth it. You also have the option to hide from it, and live with whatever reality is most convenient for you. Which will you choose?
Agnostics are unwilling to commit themselves to faith, but in doing so display a faith more firm and fervent than many of the people who consider themselves theists. It is misapplication of faith: faith in one’s own doubts. Agnostics doubt too little, not too much. They never doubt their doubts. Their doubts are enshrined, and then it is projected that all other people should have doubts.
The characteristic of any false religion is “My will be done.” Agnosticism (and atheism alike) leads to, at least intellectually, idolatry. Everybody makes a God of something. For many, it is themselves. Commitment is a necessary part of life, whether we like it or not – and with commitment comes consequences, no matter what that decision may be.
You have the option to pursue truth, no matter how inconvenient, frightening, or shocking that truth it. You also have the option to hide from it, and live with whatever reality is most convenient for you. Which will you choose?
