between agnostic and atheist?
This isn't a religous question, it's more about what one thinks.
Always thought agnostic means that you beleived in something- yet you were non-commital., and atheist that you simply didn't beleive in anything. Please, this isn't about starting the Holy Wars, just would like some input on what others think. I searched and was surprised at what I found, so am asking what you guys think, for my own curiosity.
And if Agnostic isn't that you beleived in something just weren't going to proclaim you knew what it was, what would you call someone like that? Other?

I thought agnostic meant unsure?

An atheist does not believe in any higher power. An agnostic usually believes in a higher power or "God" but they are not sure what that means in reality.

That's kind of what I was thinking Ruth. Just didn't know how to explain it.

my opinion, just based on good old Mirriam Webster, is that an atheist is someone who adheres to atheism(disbelief in the existence of deity or doctrine that there is no deity)
agnostic is someone who adheres to agnosticism(not commmitted to believing in the existence or non existence of God)
whereas a theist believes in the existence of God

so in summary

atheist- there is no God
agnostic - dont know if there is a God or not
theist - there is a God

In today's world, many people (including myself) break it down this way:

Gnostic Theist: I know there is a god, and I believe.

Agnostic Theist: I don't know if there is a god, but I believe there is one.

Agnostic Atheist: I don't know if there is a god, and I don't believe there is one.

Gnostic Atheist: I know there is no god, so I don't believe there is one.

All "Agnostic" means is "without knowledge" so it is possible to be agnostic AND a theist, or atheist.

I agree with the other definitions but my take on being agnostic is a person who doesn't believe in god per se but they believe in something that is bigger than them - something they can't explain.

Until I read and discovered Paganism, I was agnostic. I don't believe in god but I knew there is something amazing among us. I chose a religion of earth; Paganism - and I also study Wicca which includes a study of the zodiac.

My father is agnostic. He believes there is a higher power. He believes that Jesus existed and was a good man. He just isn't convinced that Jesus is the Son of God. He would believe if he was shown proof though.

I've been talking with God in my dreams lately. And he has indeed given me some knowledge. So I'm not sure if I can claim to be 'agnostic' anymore.

The prefix of 'A' means without.

Agnostic-without knowledge. Typically one who doubts existence of a God, they do not have direct personal knowledge or experience.

Atheist-without God. One who is without, does not believe there is a God.



Some but themselves in these categories not because they don't believe in God per se, but rather what they have experienced is outside the accepted norms of experience and or belief.

I beleiev that there were many spritual leaders sent down here to enlighten us, also beleive there is a Supreme Being, perhaps.
It's very difficult to really describe. I thought as agnostism was something entirely different from the definitions I read. And Atheists have societies or similar.
Interesting take on what everyone is saying.

keep a good lab notebook and file for patent.



did it look like this?

they have medicine for that now...
hey, I'm just saying...

they have medicine for that now...
hey, I'm just saying...schitzo isn't the cripling disease it once was..

an agnostic is a theist that doesn't attend church...

I've always figured Agnostic meant the same as "non-practicing." Basically, you're parents drug you to church when you were young so you remember hearing there was a god, but you haven't really put much thought into it since.

Basically, someone who prays like hell on their deathbed.

Why would I want to take dumb-down drugs that basically turn a person into a zombie to get rid of dreams that provide me with useful information?

I mean, even if they are "Just Dreams" they are still providing me with useful information. So taking drugs to numb by brain would be utterly stupid.

Perhaps the brilliance doesn't truly come from God. Perhaps it springs from my own creative genius? That's all that you're truly suggesting. And I do thank you for the vote of confidence.

Many famous scientists had their epiphanies in dreams as well. Would you have them taking numb-down drugs too?

In fact, come to think of it, while we're on the topic of creativity, and epiphanies, how about explaining to everyone where all these new ideas come from? From whence does creativity spring?

You seem to think you know it all. So tell us, from whence does creativity spring, and while you're at it, from whence did the universe spring?

Answer me those questions and I'll confess you know it all.

Confess that you don't know the answers and owl just roll my eyes.

that basically what it comes down to...since both the Agnostic and theist and really anyone can claim to have a belief in God, it then comes down to if the claimer/believer does what the religon requires such as attending church, stop intentionly sinning and following "ALL" the teachings of the religion ...if this is not done then that is an indication that the person does not take the God or the religion seriously and therefore is agnostic