theism, atheism, agnosticism

[firecat]

This is from a comment I made in xiphias's journal, where there is a discussion of the concepts "theist," "atheist," and "agnostic."

A quote I like on this subject:

For T. H. Huxley, who coined the term in 1869, agnosticism was as demanding as any moral, philosophical, or religious creed. Rather than a creed, though, he saw it as a *method* realized through "the rigorous application of a single principle." He expressed the principle positively as "Follow your reason as far as it will take you," and negatively as: "Do not pretend that conclusions are certain which are not demonstrated or demonstrable."....Huxley called it the "agnostic faith." -- Stephen Batchelor, Buddha Without Beliefs

I'm very much of two minds. Intellectually I'm scientifically oriented and don't believe in things I don't have evidence for. Emotionally, on a subconscious level, I often have a feeling that the universe is benign ("of a kindly disposition"), although I don't really imbue it with personality so I wouldn't call it belief in deity.

I've tried various ways of balancing these things. My current solution to this two-mindedness is a Buddhist practice with no belief in deity and with a goal of bringing me into better contact with whatever benignity does exist (in me and other beings).

Comments

[jae]

Huh. I have always thought of agnosticism as meaning "I'm not sure whether there is a god" and atheism as meaning "I don't believe there is a god."

-J

[firecat]

In the original thread supergee came up with about 10 definitions of agnosticism. Because it doesn't just reference what you personally believe, but what you think about what others believe. And also how you feel about what you believe.

[flarenut]

What is it when you say "'Is there a god?" is not a well-formed question?

I think it was Laplace who is reputed to have said "I had no need of that hypothesis."

[firecat]

I dunno what it is when you say that, but it leads fairly directly to the Flying Spaghetti Monster.

[selki]

mu

[elf]

I find myself regularly annoyed at the number of "atheists" who disbelieve the Christian god, and assume all other "gods" that might be discussed have the same traits. They seem to be more aJHVHists than atheists.

Many, many atheists are disturbed and confused by polytheism. (Because "god" means "infinite all-powerful creator," right?)

I have a hard time discussing atheism and agnosticism without first defining what's meant by the term "god" or "deity," and that's often too complicated for online threads. And if they mean, "god = all-powerful benevolent creator of everything," then I find myself defined into atheism, which I find hilarious.

[firecat]

I find myself regularly annoyed at the number of "atheists" who disbelieve the Christian god, and assume all other "gods" that might be discussed have the same traits.

Yep. A lot of people seem to derive all their religious beliefs/disbeliefs directly from Christianity and aren't interested in any other concepts of religion or spirituality.

[nekodojo]

Have you seen this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzSMC5rWvos