I'm sick of people saying that "agnosticism" is a "cop out"

[Pinball Mgruff]

Fuck them.

In America, saying you're a Christian is the true "cop out" seeing as it is the non-controversial and most popular religion in the country.

But I'm constantly having these Christians tell me that my agnostic beliefs are "on the fence" or "taking the high road." But why is standing up for your beliefs when they are unpopular considered being an indecisive?

If I don't want to associate myself with a religion, then why should I have to? It's an invention of man anyway. I could go my entire life without talking about religion (or hearing about it).

My fellow non-believers, how do you respond to this criticism?

[Punk_Rocker_22]

Agnosticism is a cop out.

..I had to

[H a r o l d]

Time for a mean-spirited sweeping generalization.

Christians are dipshit assholes.

"On the fence"? What the fuck? I suppose in the same way you're "on the fence" about fairies in your garden or that good 'ole teapot orbiting Jupiter. They DEMAND you make in irrational assertion! Do it! DO IT!

[---Beany---]

People label themselves Christians way to easily nowadays. I bet more than half of the xians of the world don't strive to follow the example and teachings of christ.
This is why so many people have little respect for xianity.

[SurahAhriman]

It is a cop out. Or are you honestly unable to determine which of the following is more valid?

1. Viewing the universe with reason and an analytical eye.

2. The belief that an invisable sky wizard willed the universe into being from his magical space fortress, and if you don;t do EVERYTHING he told you to do (via illiterate desert nomads who died thousands of years ago) he will make you suffer for all of eternity.

Agnosticism is basically looking at those two choices, and hiding behind "unknown unknowns".

[Pilsu]

If you have even a spec of intellect, you'll lie. You have nothing to gain by telling them the truth

[Hexadecimal]

Originally Posted by Pinball Mgruff

Fuck them.

In America, saying you're a Christian is the true "cop out" seeing as it is the non-controversial and most popular religion in the country.

But I'm constantly having these Christians tell me that my agnostic beliefs are "on the fence" or "taking the high road." But why is standing up for your beliefs when they are unpopular considered being an indecisive?

If I don't want to associate myself with a religion, then why should I have to? It's an invention of man anyway. I could go my entire life without talking about religion (or hearing about it).

My fellow non-believers, how do you respond to this criticism?

Nothing wrong with admitting you're not in the know. You're at least one step ahead of both blind faith and utter doubt when you can face the bit of insecurity that arises from knowing you don't know. I say kudos for sitting on the fence...I'm there right with ya. I'm certainly not going to hop off and join a side when I think they're both 100% bullshit. Much like my stance on US policies right now...'us or them'...how 'bout I'm anti-terror AND anti-fascism?

[Obbe]

Originally Posted by SurahAhriman

It is a cop out. Or are you honestly unable to determine which of the following is more valid?

1. Viewing the universe with reason and an analytical eye.

2. The belief that an invisable sky wizard willed the universe into being from his magical space fortress, and if you don;t do EVERYTHING he told you to do (via illiterate desert nomads who died thousands of years ago) he will make you suffer for all of eternity.

Agnosticism is basically looking at those two choices, and hiding behind "unknown unknowns".

Unless of course the God in subject is completely different. Your choices are too black and white.

Why can't we believe in a much more reasonable version of 'God', which helps in understanding reality, and also believe that proof of that concept is non-existent?

At least from our perspective...

[Surak]

The only thing "bad" about agnostics I can think of is that they often lack the mental faculties to prevent their own assimilation by religious assholes. As such, they tend to provide a kind of food source for religion to thrive on.

"Why can't we believe in a much more reasonable version of 'God', which helps in understanding reality, and also believe that proof of that concept is non-existent?"

"Why shouldn't I pull an idea out of my ass, and then believe in it when there's no proof whatsoever to back it up?"

Do you see how foolish you sound? This is what you sound like. Creating a "god" doesn't help anyone "understand" reality. It makes up a fake explaination so the person can feel better about themselves without actually searching for a solution.

Two hands at work are more useful than a thousand clasped in prayer.

[kenwih]

i think you are using a folk understanding of agnosticism here.

you can be an agnostic theist, or an agnostic atheist. agnosticism just says that it is impossible to know anything about god.

what you believe is an entirely different matter than what you know and do not know.

so really, most people are agnostic in that they acknowledge god can be known through the eyes of faith alone, and they either have a belief or lack a belief in god.

if you are saying agnostic = i don't know what i believe, then yes it is a weak position that shows you haven't put much thought into the matter.