So many people today label themselves as Atheists.Yet I would argue that Agnostic is a more accurate position when rejecting organized religion. Unfortunately the term Agnostic seems to imply that one is uncertain about religious beliefs and this may account for the migration toward the term Atheist. Perhaps we need a new word. Why?
I definitely don't believe in any personified God, as described by Christians, Jews, Muslims, etc. Yet Atheism appears to be an untenable position. The word "God" is so abstract, ambiguous, and undefinable. For example even Einstein referred to God, but in a metaphorical way meaning the mysteries of the universe.
So Agnostic to me means - No belief at all. Just an open mind to yet unknown possibilities. This position is essential to the field of science of which I am proud to be a member.
- Dave
1
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Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.There is an international group that has been formed to re-label our group. It is known as the Brights (noun). [the-brights.net] I am a member. Problem is that the term 'Atheist' has a negative connotation and people don't want to be identified with such a negative group. Languages change and, for some of us we want a more positive spin like Godfree and Childfree (less can be a negative word).
JackPedigo
Level 9
Sep 23, 2019
0
Just labels
bobwjr
Level 10
Sep 23, 2019
1
Yes, just labels. But, people associate labels with concepts. It's a matter of perception and subjective reality. Words are powerful.
@DrBerts I don’t actually care one iota what defines an atheist or agnostic. I certainly don’t have a flag or club membership.
I would suspect there are many others here with the same outlook.
I think it was Groucho Marx or maybe MarkTwain, but it might have been Wilde, I don’t know so don’t quote me, said “I don’t want to be a member of a club that would have me as a member” or something similar
Its only words.
sassygirl3869
Level 9
Sep 23, 2019
0
Yes, just labels. But, people associate labels with concepts. It's a matter of perception and subjective reality. Words are powerful.
It does not matter what you call yourself , as long as you are clear when asked about your position. I usually call myself an agnostic atheist, as I think would most people here, at least those who are well informed. But I am happy to regard anyone in the skeptical spectrum as a fellow, be they, agnostic atheist, atheist, agnostic, gnostic atheist, agnostic, skeptic, humanist and even deist. Because wherever you stand on that issue, remember, that gods only affect lives if you believe that you have messages from them. The big difference is not between skeptics but with those who think that a god/gods gives the directions, a silent god is harmless, and pointless just as much as a none existent god. Therefore I am also happy to be called a 'board church skeptic'.
P.S. Beware a little trick that theists sometimes play, where they define god in terms so vague that no one could deny, disprove or object to it. And then when they have got you to agree that that definition is acceptable, even to you, they suddenly start talking about their own personal sky daddy, with no mention of the massive leap they just made.
Fernapple
Level 9
Sep 23, 2019
1
Labels again! Why we are all so keen to put tags on ourselves baffles me. Call yourselves whatever you like...but the bottom line is I do not believe that that there is any proof of a creator, god, or gods. That makes me a disbeliever, and also an atheist and an agnostic, but above all a freethinker. I am also a skeptic, and not just when it comes to religious belief, but on any other daft unproven phenomenon, such as ghosts, ghoulies, and things that go bump in the night, flying saucers, crop circles, conspiracy theories, and that the world is flat and we will fall of the edge if we venture too far! The credulity of the truly gullible seems to know no bounds, but surely here on this site we can just be rational and agree to call ourselves whatever term we feel comfortable with, or none at all.
Marionville
Level 10
Sep 23, 2019
3
I am an agnostic atheist.
I am an atheist because I absolutely do not believe any gods exist; and atheism is simply the lack of belief in any gods.
I am agnostic because I acknowledge that I do not have all of the knowledge of the universe, or universes. Whether or not there is some sort of god being/ consciousness is something that simply cannot be known; and agnosticism is a claim about knowledge.
Until there is a reason for me to believe there is some sort of universal consciousness, or god being, I will not believe there is one, or more. And, if absolute proof is provided belief will not necessary. It will then be about either accepting or rejecting the evidence provided.
Joanne
Level 7
Sep 23, 2019
1
It sounds like we agree. - Dave
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