Atheistic Agnosticism

Back in April, I brought up the topic of Agnosticism and the differences between it and Atheism. I said that Agnostics have no idea which side is correct and don't take any side or hold any position. After many debates and lots of researching, I have learned that this is false. As it is a fairly large topic and is visited quite often in debates across the internet, I thought it might be a good idea to revisit this topic and offer a better explanation.

So let's jump right into this and get to me pulling my foot out of my mouth.

"What is the difference between Agnosticism and Atheism?"

(REVISITED)

While it is accurate to say that Atheists are those who do not believe in gods, let's try to refine the categories a little more.

Theism can be loosely defined as:

The belief that a god or gods exist.

Being the opposite of that, Atheism can be loosely defined as:

NOT the belief that a god or gods exist.

The "NOT" is capitalized to add emphasis on the "A" in Atheism. Using the same logic, we can define agnosticism.

Gnosticism:

A strongly held belief that the truth is known of a certain subject.

Agnosticism:

NOT a strongly held belief that the truth is known of a certain subject.

or

The belief that no one knows for sure, regardless of beliefs.

Using the above definitions, it is possible to create four different categories.

Gnostic Theism:

The belief in a god or gods and the belief that it is the absolute truth.

Agnostic Theism:

The belief in a god or gods and the belief that it could be wrong.

Gnostic Atheism:

The disbelief of known gods and the belief that there are none.

Agnostic Atheism:

The disbelief of known gods and the belief that they could exist.

Typically, Atheists fall under the last category. We believe that it is the most open minded position. We also believe that Agnostic Theists are just as open minded. It's when Gnosticism is introduced that we tend to become militant and agressive. When one closes their mind to other options. To settle the question, what the difference is between Atheism and Agnosticism, it is the same as asking what the difference is between "walking" and "fast." They are not in the same category, one modifies the other. Anyone can be agnostic, whether Theist or Atheist.

Which are you?

Lacking Gain

I talk with many Theists online, and watch many videos by them. I don't always take things as they come and will sometimes look into a person before considering what they have to offer. Some good people get things wrong and some bad people get things right. It's always good to consider everything before passing judgement.

In this vein, one Theist I happened upon was asking questions of his own to any Atheist that would listen. While most were presented in the form of an attack, one did get to me.

"If Atheism is a 'lack of belief' then how can you gain anything from it?"

While, again, this was an attempted attack on Atheism, I thought it was a decent question and worthy of an answer. The inherent problem, however, is that we don't gain anything. There is nothing to gain from Atheism. On the other hand, there are things to gain by leaving Theism, which had taken them away.

Now, I'm not going to attack Theism by claiming "intelligence" or "morality" is what is taken away. The majority of Theists are intelligent and moral and there are a few Atheists that are unintelligent and amoral. All groups have these characteristics as they are a part of humanity. However, if you have been struggling with your belief, it has been taking away your peace. If it has made you do things you don't want to, then it has taken your happiness. If you'd rather not attend a ceremony for your religion, it has taken your freedom.

One argument made about Atheism is that it should not exist as a term. Non-Stamp-Collecting is not a term, so Atheism should not be a term. And, just like not collecting stamps, there is nothing to gain from Atheism apart from what you had lost. Collecting stamps takes time, energy, space, and at times a great deal of money. Not collecting stamps will save you all of those.

This is not to say you only lose with Theism. You can gain peace, happiness, and freedom from Theism, but only if Theism is for you. If a Theist that is happy with their current life becomes an Atheist, they may actually lose what they had gained from their Theism.

Atheism is not for everyone, which is why this blog does not attempt to force it upon anyone. It's up to you. If you believe in gods, go with Theism. If not, join us.

You have nothing to gain from Atheism, but you also have nothing to lose.