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Agnosticism

Agnosticism. What is agnosticism?.

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Agnosticism

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  1. Agnosticism

  2. What is agnosticism? • The term agnostic originated from the Greek ἀ- a-, without + γνῶσις gnōsis, knowledge. The term was first used by Thomas Henry Huxley in a speech to the metaphysical Society in 1876 to describe his philosophy which rejects all claims of spiritual or mystical knowledge.

  3. Agnostic demographics • 10% of American adults hold Agnostic beliefs about God's existence. • http://www.scribd.com/doc/17374733/Who-Are-Americas-Atheists-and-Agnostics

  4. Agnostic mentality • An agnostic is one who believes there is insufficient evidence to prove or disprove the existence or nonexistence of God or gods. • Agnostics criticize the theist and the atheist for their dogmatism and their presumption of such knowledge. • Agnosticism "refers to a neutralist view on the question of the existence of God; it is the view of the person who elects to remain in a state of suspended judgment" (Sahakian and Sahakian, Ideas, p. 100). • Some agnostics enjoy religious discussion, fellowship, or ritual join a local congregation of the Unitarian-Universalist Association or an Ethical Culture group. Many others are solitary Agnostics.

  5. Types of Agnosticism • There are two types of agnostics • One type says there is insufficient evidence but leaves open the possibility of sometime obtaining enough evidence to know with certainty. (weak/soft) • The second type is convinced that it is objectively impossible for anyone to ever know with certainty the existence or non-existence of God or gods. (hard)

  6. Types of Agnosticism • Weak Agnostics assume that it merely lacks the facts necessary to form a judgment and defers any conclusion pending the acquisition of such facts • Hard Agnostics assume a more dogmatic position, contending that facts are not available because it is impossible now (and will continue to be impossible) to obtain these facts

  7. Conclusion • Doubting is not uncommon even among believers. Even some who SAW our risen Lord doubted. Matt 28:16 • Luke 24:36-45 • The point of differentiation is what a person does with that doubt. Does he pursue an answer or does he become apathetic and comfortable and identify with the Agnostic philosophy

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