I’ve met very few true athiests in my life. Usually these people are unbearable and become very in your face about their beliefs. I believe the majority of non-religious people to be agnostic. I would use the word agnostic and skeptic in the same way. Some of them grew up in faith and grew skeptical of the whole idea. The rest simply have a difficult time grasping the idea of “faith”. Faith isn’t tangible. It isn’t something you can see. It’s something you feel. It’s very similar to the “feel” Steph Curry has shooting a basketball, Aaron Rodgers throwing a football, or Jordan Spieth putting. There are some technical aspects that need to be correct, but after that it’s an indescribable feeling that no one can truly understand unless you’ve experienced it yourself. That’s why so many Christians have a difficult time explaining their faith to non Christians. Many agnostics I know seek the technical aspects or the “truth”. They want to know exactly how Steph Curry shoots and they over analyze and think about how they can apply it to their lives and they fail. In reality it took Steph millions of shots in the gym to develop “feel” just like it takes Christians hours reading the Bible, attending church, and trying to experience God in their lives before they start to develop “faith”. Doesn’t mean that, “faith” stays with them all the time. Steph doesn’t make every shot; Christian’s sin. So to answer the question I don’t have anything wrong or bad to say about agnostics. Everyone has their own journey and own path through salvation. I differ from many Christians in this belief. But I believe agnostics have a place in heaven. I think God wants people in this world to challenge his followers and I don’t believe he would damn someone who lived a good life simply because they spent it in search of truth instead of faith.

I’ve met very few true athiests in my life. Usually these people are unbearable and become very in your face about their beliefs. I believe the majority of non-religious people to be agnostic. I would use the word agnostic and skeptic in the same way. Some of them grew up in faith and grew skeptical of the whole idea. The rest simply have a difficult time grasping the idea of “faith”. Faith isn’t tangible. It isn’t something you can see. It’s something you feel. It’s very similar to the “feel” Steph Curry has shooting a basketball, Aaron Rodgers throwing a football, or Jordan Spieth putting. There are some technical aspects that need to be correct, but after that it’s an indescribable feeling that no one can truly understand unless you’ve experienced it yourself. That’s why so many Christians have a difficult time explaining their faith to non Christians. Many agnostics I know seek the technical aspects or the “truth”. They want to know exactly how Steph Curry shoots and they over analyze and think about how they can apply it to their lives and they fail. In reality it took Steph millions of shots in the gym to develop “feel” just like it takes Christians hours reading the Bible, attending church, and trying to experience God in their lives before they start to develop “faith”. Doesn’t mean that, “faith” stays with them all the time. Steph doesn’t make every shot; Christian’s sin. So to answer the question I don’t have anything wrong or bad to say about agnostics. Everyone has their own journey and own path through salvation. I differ from many Christians in this belief. But I believe agnostics have a place in heaven. I think God wants people in this world to challenge his followers and I don’t believe he would damn someone who lived a good life simply because they spent it in search of truth instead of faith.

 

I am one that you described as "seeks the truth." I believe in the possibility of there being a higher power, but, prove it to me. I've had people say "Well how could this (insert random thing or happening) be without God?" and then I give them ways it could be without the presence of a higher power. I hope that when I challenge people on things like that they aren't offended or take it personal, but that's just how my mind works.

I am one that you described as "seeks the truth." I believe in the possibility of there being a higher power, but, prove it to me. I've had people say "Well how could this (insert random thing or happening) be without God?" and then I give them ways it could be without the presence of a higher power. I hope that when I challenge people on things like that they aren't offended or take it personal, but that's just how my mind works.

 

This was my position for years. I completely understand where you are coming from.

I am one that you described as "seeks the truth." I believe in the possibility of there being a higher power, but, prove it to me. I've had people say "Well how could this (insert random thing or happening) be without God?" and then I give them ways it could be without the presence of a higher power. I hope that when I challenge people on things like that they aren't offended or take it personal, but that's just how my mind works.

 

I think we all have our doubts at times.

As a Christian, I look at an agnostic or atheist and try to remember that some of the great Christian thinkers were once in those same shoes. C.S. Lewis is a name that quickly comes to mind here. It's why I often recommend his Mere Christianity as a read to those who are genuinely searching. I also try to put myself in their shoes, which is hard to do, because I was raised in a home where faith in God was instilled as early as I can remember.

 

If being an agnostic means not knowing for sure, that person isn't far from faith IMO. Scripture itself acknowledges that faith is being "sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." I see an honest agnostic as a genuine doubter who has yet to climb over the hill to faith. I see an honest Christian as a genuine doubter who has climbed said hill. I'm a Christian and I have a ton of doubts, but my faith outweighs them...eventually, at least.

 

At the end of the day, I can be a friend to just about anybody. Even agnostic Louisville fans that call me Vlad.

As a Christian, I look at an agnostic or atheist and try to remember that some of the great Christian thinkers were once in those same shoes. C.S. Lewis is a name that quickly comes to mind here. It's why I often recommend his Mere Christianity as a read to those who are genuinely searching. I also try to put myself in their shoes, which is hard to do, because I was raised in a home where faith in God was instilled as early as I can remember.

 

If being an agnostic means not knowing for sure, that person isn't far from faith IMO. Scripture itself acknowledges that faith is being "sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." I see an honest agnostic as a genuine doubter who has yet to climb over the hill to faith. I see an honest Christian as a genuine doubter who has climbed said hill. I'm a Christian and I have a ton of doubts, but my faith outweighs them...eventually, at least.

 

At the end of the day, I can be a friend to just about anybody. Even agnostic Louisville fans that call me Vlad.

 

#TeamRandy

#TeamRandy

 

I am one that you described as "seeks the truth." I believe in the possibility of there being a higher power, but, prove it to me.

 

I think you can put yourself in a tough spot with that. Jesus himself said “why does this generation continually ask for signs!” He also said “blessed are those that have not seen, yet still believe.”

 

I think the need for proof can be a barrier.

 

What proof would someone need? What could they possibly see that would convince them? Look at the stars, the sky, the beautiful hills, or the design of the universe.

What proof would someone need? What could they possibly see that would convince them? Look at the stars, the sky, the beautiful hills, or the design of the universe.

 

Science can and does explain all of that.

Science can and does explain all of that.

 

It So does not. Science explains how it all works but not how it happened. But this thread is not meant for that discussion. I am sorry I brought it up. I usually do not hijack other people’s Threads.

 

I was taught that agnostic people did not “care” if there was a God or not. Not necessarily did not “know” if there was a God or not. But I’ve not met very many in my life.

It So does not. Science explains how it all works but not how it happened. But this thread is not meant for that discussion. I am sorry I brought it up. I usually do not hijack other people’s Threads.

 

I was taught that agnostic people did not “care” if there was a God or not. Not necessarily did not “know” if there was a God or not. But I’ve not met very many in my life.

 

Dont apologize. I appreciate the input.

 

I cant speak for others who feel the way I do, but I’ve never been in the “I don’t care” camp.

Someone's religious beliefs or lack thereof don't factor in at all in my opinion of them. How do they treat others, including the religious beliefs of others?

 

I have encountered some "Christians" to be so judgmental and unkind to others, including myself, a fellow Christian. Yet, the two best people I know are Christian and could not be kinder and more accepting and loving of all. I have met one atheist who was a total jerk and another who was absolutely great.

 

I would say that we have all met many more agnostics than we realize. Agnostics tend not to bring up religion as much as believers (of any faith) or non-believers. Or perhaps that is just my experience.

I don’t know that I feel one way or another. I’ve maybe had a handful of conversations in my life about being agnostic with people who are agnostic.

 

I think my advice(if you call it that) was to seek answers through study or meditation.

It So does not. Science explains how it all works but not how it happened. But this thread is not meant for that discussion. I am sorry I brought it up. I usually do not hijack other people’s Threads.

 

I was taught that agnostic people did not “care” if there was a God or not. Not necessarily did not “know” if there was a God or not. But I’ve not met very many in my life.

 

Dont apologize. I appreciate the input.

 

I cant speak for others who feel the way I do, but I’ve never been in the “I don’t care” camp.

 

Include me in the "I Do Care" camp, and that is with a passion.

I think my advice(if you call it that) was to seek answers through study or meditation.

 

How do you do that? I've tried to mediate before and nothing happened. I think my attention span is too short.