Do you feel persecuted because of your beliefs?

[Innominate]

May I be so bold as to attempt a simplistic definition of the difference between an agnostic and atheist?

An atheist says, “I believe there is no god.”

A theist says, “I believe there is a god.”

An agnostic says, “I’m not sure if there is a god. Maybe there is, maybe there isn’t. I don’t know yet.”

The definition Daytripper seems to be suggesting is that of a proactive agnostic, or “seeker”, as I have heard them colloquially named. The alternative is the apathetic agnostic; they don’t know the answer to the meaning of life and they can’t be bothered to find out.

The apathetic agnostic is by far the most common species found in Australia, considering how close it is to our nation creed:

“Australia - We’re interested in apathy.”

Agnosticism is a position on knowledge, while (a)theism is a position on belief. An agnostic says "I don't believe I can truly know for sure", while a gnostic says "I'm absolutely sure", and an atheist says "I don't believe in any gods" while a theist says "I believe in a god or gods". They can be combined in any of the four combinatorial ways you'd expect; there are theists who 'know' there is/are a god/gods, there are atheists who 'know' there are none, there are theists who just think there is/are a god/gods and atheists who just think there aren't.

We also have the "pure" agnostic, characterised by the belief, "I don't know whether or not a god or gods exist, and I believe that it is fundamentally impossible to ever truly know." However, by the definition of "atheist" (one who doesn't believe in a god or gods), these pure agnostics are still atheists.

[johannhowitzer]

An agnostic says "I don't believe I can truly know for sure", while a gnostic says "I'm absolutely sure"

What about someone who says "I don't know yet, but I might in the future"?  That's more how I understand agnosticism.

[Innominate]

An agnostic says "I don't believe I can truly know for sure", while a gnostic says "I'm absolutely sure"

What about someone who says "I don't know yet, but I might in the future"?  That's more how I understand agnosticism.

I guess that is a type of agnosticism, but it's not the type espoused by Thomas Huxley (who coined the term) and others. Huxley's agnosticism was a reaction to what he saw as the arrogance of strong atheists and strong theists.

[BluePriest]

Just a random fun pic I saw.
Ive always cosidered it as Atheists deny the possibility of there being a god, and agnostics just dont know for sure if there is or isnts, while a theist knows there is a god. However, thats probably a gross oversimplification of it all.

[tyranim]

alright, hold on... would i be considered agnostic or gnostic? im confused as to which is which

[Xinef]

So, if for example I believe that there is no scientific proof of Gods existence and there will never be one, but on the other hand I speak with God everyday and we are good friends (as a matter of fact he is my Sensei and Daymio), but I simply cannot prove it, and you could always say that it is only 'in my head'...

then I'm agnostic theist?

or I'm crazy

[tyranim]

ok, hold on. that confused me a little. i am a person who doesnt believe god exists, but i also dont believe god doesnt exist. im a STRONG believer of the possibility theory.

[SeddyRocky]

So, if for example I believe that there is no scientific proof of Gods existence and there will never be one, but on the other hand I speak with God everyday and we are good friends (as a matter of fact he is my Sensei and Daymio), but I simply cannot prove it, and you could always say that it is only 'in my head'...

then I'm agnostic theist?

or I'm crazy

To answer that: It depends completely on your society and its norms. In an ancient society world-wide, you'd probably be the shaman/druid/spirit channeler. In a secularized society you'd probably be on the border towards crazy. In most modern societies, you'd probably be considered a devout Christian and then +/- some craziness depending on location and denominations,etc.

Bluepriest, awesome picture that sums it up so well! I know now that I'm an atheist/agnostic for my beliefs are "weak" XD (when it comes to religion they really are)

[ratcharmer]

ok, hold on. that confused me a little. i am a person who doesnt believe god exists, but i also dont believe god doesnt exist. im a STRONG believer of the possibility theory.

You're pure agnostic then.

Try not to be confused by the weak/strong on the chart. I don't think they're meant as a commentary as to how firmly someone believes in something, so much as a commentary about how firm that particular stance is.

Maybe absolute/inabsolute would be a better way to phrase it?

[tyranim]

lol, i didnt emphasis the strong to comment on the chart, i honestly dont care about the chart. i simply emphasised the strong to give it a little more impact.
though i can see how that could have confused a lot of people

[johannhowitzer]

So, if for example I believe that there is no scientific proof of Gods existence and there will never be one, but on the other hand I speak with God everyday and we are good friends (as a matter of fact he is my Sensei and Daymio), but I simply cannot prove it, and you could always say that it is only 'in my head'...

then I'm agnostic theist?

or I'm crazy

The terms make it sound black and white, whereas the agnostic/gnostic question is more of a continuum based on how sure you are.  There's a third option in between atheism and theism, too, in which you just throw up your hands and admit you see decent reasons to believe both.  ("on the fence")

[tyranim]

So, if for example I believe that there is no scientific proof of Gods existence and there will never be one, but on the other hand I speak with God everyday and we are good friends (as a matter of fact he is my Sensei and Daymio), but I simply cannot prove it, and you could always say that it is only 'in my head'...

then I'm agnostic theist?

or I'm crazy

The terms make it sound black and white, whereas the agnostic/gnostic question is more of a continuum based on how sure you are.  There's a third option in between atheism and theism, too, in which you just throw up your hands and admit you see decent reasons to believe both.  ("on the fence")

i like "on the fence" its somewhat..... attracting