Reply #185: I think a lot of people misunderstand atheism/agnosticism [View All]

[UdoKier]

"Atheism denies divine being/beings but often goes beyond that by refusing to explore what those divine being/beings mean."

Wrong. We do refuse to explore what they mean, because they don't mean anything to us. They are just stories. They may or may not be true, and one may study them just as one may study a legend like Beowulf. To us they are no different. But we do not DENY them. There is no logical way to do so. You can't prove something's nonexistence.


"Agnosticism grants the possibility of divine existence, not atheism. "

No, they both do, but agnostics are more open to being proselytized, whereas atheists will have no part of it. An agnostic may want proof of a deity before he believes. An atheist isn't looking for proof. Personally, I'm content to find out what the "truth" is (if there is any) after I'm dead.

"Atheism closes itself off to the possiblities that the mysteries of the universe hold by refusing to consider the potential meanings behind the symbol."

No, we just don't think that there necessarily has to be a universal meaning to anything.


"Theism can certainly be a logical choice."

Of course, it cannot be. It requires a leap of faith that a given theology is the true one, and taking the risk that one might "burn in hell" for choosing the wrong religion. I don't think it is an irrational choice, because a faith that gives someone emotional comfort and stability can be a very positive thing. But it is in no way logical.

"It just depends upon what one considers "theism." A belief that Shiva is a literal being that has wondered the earth on occasion is illogical. A belief that Shiva is a symbol illustrating a deeper truth that is impossible to express in human terms is not illogical."

I don't have a problem with that, and I'm not sure if that really is "theism". It seems to leave open the idea that there is more than one "truth" that may hold for different people. I generally think of most religions as insisting that there is only one truth of the universe and that all others are false.