we should start using the real definition of agnostic

Despanan · 10-31-2010, 03:33 PM

It doesn't mean what you think it means.

KontanKarite · 10-31-2010, 03:48 PM

What happened?

Despanan · 10-31-2010, 03:56 PM

I felt like pissing off Saya.

Saya · 10-31-2010, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Despanan

I felt like pissing off Saya.

I assure you I am completely apathetic to this situation.

KontanKarite · 10-31-2010, 06:13 PM

I don't think you are.

Alan · 10-31-2010, 07:13 PM

I would love to see this, though.

Catch · 10-31-2010, 08:00 PM

I thought agnostic was the super tautey eggnog with 151 Bacardi.

Versus · 10-31-2010, 09:25 PM

So, I don't give a shit. I'm not completely closed to the idea of religion, but I haven't had one of those crazy eye-opening moments that people talk about, and I'm not the type to fake it because the alternative is worse. In rare moments of deep contemplation, I think and wonder.

I don't believe in anything, but It's more because I'm not convinced. What is the best word to describe me?

Alan · 10-31-2010, 09:43 PM

Atheist who is too forgiving of one arbitrary possibility out of billions.

Despanan · 10-31-2010, 10:14 PM

Listen to the British guy: It doesn't mean you're between being an atheist and a theist.

Versus · 10-31-2010, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alan

Atheist who is too forgiving of one arbitrary possibility out of billions.

I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS.

But I'm also very, very drunk. I love being 130 pounds soaking wet. I save so much money on booze.

Saya · 11-01-2010, 07:56 AM

Its someone who doesn't want to have sex with Gnostics, right?

Despanan · 11-01-2010, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saya

Its someone who doesn't want to have sex with Gnostics, right?

No one wants to have sex with Gnostics.

Saya · 11-01-2010, 01:15 PM

I think I might be bignostic, what should I do?

Versus · 11-01-2010, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Despanan

Listen to the British guy: It doesn't mean you're between being an atheist and a theist.

That's fine. I never claimed ownership of any of the above or anything in between, but by my new understanding of the definition: I'm an atheist of the unconvinced variety.

Theism is also completely irrelevant to me. Being an atheist has never been a detriment in my life, and never will. So I suppose that makes me unmotivated to seek evidence, as well.

Versus · 11-01-2010, 03:21 PM

Also. If agnosticism is "not knowing", wouldn't that describe everyone concerning theism?

Alan · 11-01-2010, 03:46 PM

Yeah but they refuse to admit it.

Versus · 11-01-2010, 04:09 PM

Oops. I meant theists as well as atheists.

Alan · 11-01-2010, 04:57 PM

It does and that's the point.

Versus · 11-01-2010, 05:05 PM

I wonder where the misconception came about?

Despanan · 11-01-2010, 05:27 PM

Probably just a general misunderstanding of the term. Probably came from someone saying "I'm an agnostic" to a theist, and the theist assuming it meant they were a soft (unconvinced) atheist. Agnostic has a more pleasant connotation than atheist, so it's only natural people might see it as some sort of middle ground.

An agnostic is someone who doesn't know, and more, believes that it is actually IMPOSSIBLE to know anything about the divine.

An atheist is someone who simply lacks belief in god(s)/the supernatural.

Alan · 11-01-2010, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Despanan

An agnostic is someone who doesn't know, and more, believes that it is actually IMPOSSIBLE to know anything about the divine.

Ugh..... dude, you're talking about using the real definition of the word agnostic and you say this?
You need to re-watch your link.

KontanKarite · 11-01-2010, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Despanan

No one wants to have sex with Gnostics.

Hey, I just got a call from your mother. Sophia bless her.

Despanan · 11-01-2010, 07:17 PM

Yeah, I don't know why I said that, I meant to clarify that agnosticism is the belief that knowlege of the divine is unknown or unknowable, even though the popular understanding has it mean "believes in a god, but doesn't know what/who that god is..." but I somehow went off on a tanget.

In my defense, I typed it on my cell, in between sips of coffee, while ordering/eating a dougnut and coffee.

My bad.

emeraldlonewoulf · 11-01-2010, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Despanan

Listen to the British guy: It doesn't mean you're between being an atheist and a theist.

This is the most clear cut, easily understood presentation of this line of reasoning I have ever seen.

The non-threatening, simply explanatory approach is appreciated, as well.

I've long since come to the understanding that there is no logical basis for the the belief system I was taught since infancy. However, I can see, because I used to hold that point of view, how people can vehemently defend an illogical position, because our whole emotional existence can be so wound up in that belief system.

What is so scary and sad to me is how so many people, myself formerly included, can not only be led to devalue the power of their own minds, but to genuinely hold the belief that this is a good thing. "Ignore the logical argument. You don't honestly think you are smarter than god, do you? Trust us. That's what faith, the highest tenet of our belief system, means."

Separating from that given trust can be emotionally catastrophic. But now, when I think about everything that above implied statement means, I recoil in genuine horror. Not only is it enslavement of the part of you that is most foundational to your existence, your mind and sense of self, it is VOLUNTARY enslavement. You CHOOSE it. And you think this is good.