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| The difference between atheism and agnosticism is often the subject of much debate. Indeed, many people are confused about the difference between the two. Hopefully I’ll be able to give a clear understanding about the relationship and difference between these two words, and heighten the overall awareness of the reader. Theism and atheism are dealing in the realm of belief. They pertain to what we do or do not believe. Agnosticism and gnosticism are dealing with knowledge, i.e., knowing or not knowing. Being aware of this seemingly obvious fact is critical to understanding the difference between atheism and agnosticism and the label you may or may not fall under. It’s also important to be mindful that there are different types of atheists. Atheism itself is very broad; it is lack of god-belief. If you’re of the mindset that atheism is the positive belief that there are no gods, you’re wrong. Believing that there are no gods is a characteristic of some atheists, not atheism. Many atheists simply lack a belief in gods without having the belief that no gods exist. Therein lies the point of confusion between atheism and agnosticism for many. Atheism is the absence of belief in a deity; agnosticism is the absence of knowledge, in this context the absence of knowledge whether or not one or more gods exist. Atheism and agnosticism are two different spheres of thought and should be treated as such. Theism and atheism are not two different spheres of thought; they both consider whether or not god(s) exist and how one believes in regard. When dealing with belief, a person either (i) believes there is one or more gods or (ii) does not believe there is one or more gods. With knowledge, a person either (i) knows there is one or more god or (ii) does not know whether or not there is one or more gods. Hopefully at this point you are beginning to see where I’m heading. Because agnosticism is dealing with knowledge and not belief, therefore being a separate school of thought, it is not a third option aside from theism and atheism. A person either has or does not have a belief in one or more gods. Accordingly, a person is either a theist or an atheist. Gnosticism and agnosticism are introduced when describing the theist or atheist. A theist or an atheist is either gnostic or agnostic. That is: either the theist or atheist knows there is or isn’t a god (gnostic) or he or she simply believes there is or does not believe there is (agnostic), while admitting that he or she does not know. Let me step outside of the subject with in illustration using my well being tomorrow. I believe, though I do not know, I will not be killed tomorrow. The gnostic theist, usually simply called a theist, not only believes there is a god, but claims to know there is a god. This knowledge is usually obtained from some perceived evidence or revelation, such as a Bible filled with prophecies that are coming true with incredible accuracy today. With such evidence, this theist can go beyond simple belief and know with certainty. An agnostic theist believes that there is at least one god while allowing the possibility that he or she is wrong, due to lack of evidence or knowledge. He or she believes there is a god, but doesn’t know for certain. The gnostic atheist (AKA strong atheist) knows there are no gods at all. This knowledge is usually obtained due to some perceived logical incompatibility with the existence of a god and reality. An agnostic atheist (AKA weak atheist) is an atheist who maintains a lack of belief in a god--and sometimes a belief that no gods exist--while having no knowledge that gods do not exist, due to insufficient evidence or some other reason. Summarizing: Agnosticism is not a third option to theism or atheism; it is a type of theist or atheist. |
| Atheism vs. Agnosticism: The difference between the two |
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