Lol, jangoo... agnoticism is a very profound, and deeply soothing choice.
Agnosticism - there is no god as far as I can see, however I like to keep an open mind and accept that the realms of scientific endevour are not far enough established to prove or disprove the existence of a divine being. Sounds appealing?
Then again, a rational mind would wonder further, where did God come from? Why am I debating the existance of God? What exactly IS God? Uh-oh... the can is open, I can't make the leap of faith, I'm a non-believer, I have doubts... I've tasted from the tree of knowledge and been thrown out of the garden of eden.
Why would God exist?
Exactly Artois, the true agnostic can be a philosopher and an ethic human being to the full extent without having to get all worked up about "facts of existance". Agnosticism is not only profound and soothing, it's also humble as long as it's not confused with the ignorance of "not caring" or the cowardness of "not wanting to care".
And what are the commandments of atheism. I have never heard of such things. Atheism is a stance on religious beliefs, it is not a religion itself.
I don't think agnosticism is a good stance, since [if ??] there is no reason to assume that god would exist, there is no reason to prove anything.
Agnosticism on what caused the mass extinction of dinosaurs would be reasonable. But agnosticism about tooth fairy would just be stupid.
I am a little confused here concerning the last two passages: On which side are you originally on?
As for the "commandments", I may have stretched the term a little too far when applying it to Atheism.
However, my point is that Atheism is just as irrational and "faithful" as Theism. Both sides are the infinite legs of a parabola (with agnosticism being the apex on the bottom).
As an antagonism to theistic, religious belief, Atheism makes several very strong statements about the human being, it's place, abilities and duties. Just like the religious belief and its implications for leading your life cannot be seen apart from the actual "religious lifestyle", neither can the atheistic belief be seperated from the life atheistic people lead. The result is a variety of "life-styling-commandments" if you want, commandments which are founded on the substitute belief system, atheistic people choose for themselves. The ten commandments are indeed nothing more than guidelines on how to lead your life while hardly touching "academic" issues.
This may seem a bit confusing or even far-fetched, but a couple blunt illustrations may help explain what I mean:
1. If there is no god that could be the true source of power and definition in my life, I am.
2. Social relations are my only way to be a part of things. Without society I am nothing.
3. Democracy is the rule of society. Therefore, the authority of society, law and ethic conduct is ultimately defined by me. If I wish to challenge the system I may do so.
4. Theistic belief systems are irrational and cause a lot of mayhem. Therefore secular reason shall be my guideline.
5. The most reliable source of insight and progress is science. Rational reasoning and scientific method cannot truly fail if applied correctly.
6. If I am dead-sick, only doctors can save me. I shall see to be well insured.
7. My life is limited. Therefore I must make the best of it and accomplish myself to the fullest.
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As I said, a bit blunt but maybe you get what I mean?
It's about the individual human becoming the center of definition and the consequences of forging ones own life without divine assistance.
