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Post by Bret Walker on Mar 12, 2003 21:16:34 GMT -5
There's a world of difference between Agnosticism and Atheism, although a lot of Agnostics are labeled as Atheists and vice versa.
Agnosticism comes from the greek word Gnosis which means "Knowledge," and the prefix A meaning "without." So literally, an Agnostic is someone who professes to be without knowledge of a higher power of some sort. It's not that they deny the existence of God, but rather that they do not know if a god of some sort exists. They have no belief and no faith in any religion or religious deities.
On the other hand, Atheism comes from the Theis meaning the religious belief in gods or a God, and A meaning without. An Atheist denies the existence of God or gods, and claims to be able to prove this denial.
Now that that's out there, I have at times been an Agnostic. I currently believe in God, and consider myself to be a Christian (but not the bible-thumping in-your-face anti-abortionist anti-Jew-and-Muslim pagan-hating Christian that most of you know and love) who does not go to church but rather worships on his own time and in the manner of his choosing.
How about you? Do you consider yourself religious or spiritual? Atheist or Agnostic? Pagan, Muslim, Christian, Jew, Buddhist? Or any that I left out?
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Post by Kexpakki on Mar 13, 2003 9:51:05 GMT -5
im an Atheist ans proud of it
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Post by EloraLaesira on Apr 14, 2003 3:00:21 GMT -5
I didn't know that they were different.
I am a Christian, and proud of it.
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Post by Bret Walker on Apr 14, 2003 10:00:26 GMT -5
I have been Agnostic, but I currently consider myself to be Christian. I don't go to church, though, because the hypocracy carried out in the name of God is quite appalling sometimes.
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Post by The Vonz on Apr 18, 2003 3:22:09 GMT -5
I am nothing. I don't subscribe to the ideals or state of mind associated with athiesm or agnostocism (the definition above is also interpreted by many as wanting proof of god before believing), so I call myself neither. I take no religion wholehartedly, although I do use aspects of several in my belief system (if you can call it that... I just have a bunch of theories, none of which I actually beleive or hope are true), and again, I fall into none of the 'anti-religions'. At this point, I just don't care. After life or no, god or not, it's not really an issue. I don't beleive or not beleive, it's not really an important issue in my life. I know plenty about Jusiasm, Christianity, Satanism, Paganism, Buddhism, etc., but I don't care enough to actually be religious. I'm too focuse on what's now, here, the physical, what we know exists and can physically use, feel, whatever, to worry about an after life, or what created us. Not worth worrying about, what comes comes, so treasure life while it's here, because it may not be afterwards, because most likely, we're just freak accidents from a natural occurance, and there is no concious creator or after life, reincarnation, or anything, just the decomposition of our bodies and loss of concious thought and black nothing. And I'm not a scientologist, it's just the most likely way things turn out.
SLEEP-INDUCED DRUNKED RELIGIOUS RANT! WHOO! I bet that made no sense. Oh well.
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Post by amanda on Dec 30, 2003 15:25:02 GMT -5
well, i am a practicing mahayana buddhist. we are, by definition, atheist. but still some consider buddhism as a religion, although an atheist one. i consider it a way of life, a way to be in this current human state of mind. for us, being human is the worst of all ways to be, within the realms of karmatic cycling. humans are full of suffering, and now i can only hope to reach nirvana and escape from this human form, and be reborn into something else. some buddhists, do however, believe in gods and goddesses. but many sects do not, and are entirely atheist. buddha, as you know, was a man, not a god. but, buddhism is great, and has worked for me. btw, im white, not asian, and live in cali. im very involved in the study of asian culture. email me with questions. faeriegoddess_@yahoo.com
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Post by Bret Walker on Dec 30, 2003 15:30:07 GMT -5
That's very cool, I also study the teachings of Budha and consider myself to be a fringe Budhist-Christian. Although my definition of Christian is maybe different from others' definitions. The thing I like about Budhism is that the philosophy and teachings are very compatible with the teachings and philosophy of Christ. The main difference is, followers of Budha haven't distorted his teachings like the followers of Christ have.
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Post by mangulus the 7th on Jan 5, 2004 17:24:58 GMT -5
During my time as a christian missionary I had the opportunity to meet various people with varying beliefs. Atheism and agnosticism interested me and I would ask the people to share with me their thoughts for not solidifying their beliefs. After much reflection I concluded that mostly it is a result of the "religious confusion" that plagues us in these latter days. Most people aren't sure what to believe and so they leave it open or close it off. I honestly sympathize with some concerning the so-called christians that blatantly judge others for their lifestyle and beliefs. Should they be called Christians? I believe so since they are trying to do better. Do I agree with such criticism...no. I am a christian and I constantly am trying to treat others with the uttermost love and respect. It helps me and sheds light on my life.
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