New Member with a Question!

[thewalrus]

Hi everybody, hope this post finds you well. I explored the site a bit and I've gotta say, I'm glad to see there's a place for people to intelligently discuss such a touchy topic. It's a rarity these days, at least in my experience. But, I digress. Onto my question.

After leaving Christianity, I began to call myself Agnostic. However, I've recently begun to lean back towards the possibility that a higher power exists. I still don't agree with Christianity's or any other religion's views and explanations of a higher power, but I'm no longer in the "There may or may not be" mindset. Is Agnostic still the best way to describe my beliefs, or is there another view that might better describe my position?

 

[Kemosloby]

Agnostic is the best label for what you have.

 

[Sanzbir]

Why do you need a label??

 

[Jesster]

Agnostic just means you don't claim to know whether or not a god exists. You can believe one way or another (or withhold belief) and still be agnostic.

Or you can call yourself whatever you want.

 

[Subduction Zone]

Hi everybody, hope this post finds you well. I explored the site a bit and I've gotta say, I'm glad to see there's a place for people to intelligently discuss such a touchy topic. It's a rarity these days, at least in my experience. But, I digress. Onto my question.

After leaving Christianity, I began to call myself Agnostic. However, I've recently begun to lean back towards the possibility that a higher power exists. I still don't agree with Christianity's or any other religion's views and explanations of a higher power, but I'm no longer in the "There may or may not be" mindset. Is Agnostic still the best way to describe my beliefs, or is there another view that might better describe my position?

As Jesster pointed out you need not apply any label to yourself. Most agnostics are also atheists, even if they do not know it. They simply lack a belief in a god and do not think that one can prove anything either way. Though there are some agnostics that still believe in a god or higher power and that may describe you. You can apply any label to yourself that you like, and you do not have to accept the labels that others may try to give you.

 

[Brickjectivity]

Hi and welcome.

...However, I've recently begun to lean back towards the possibility that a higher power exists. I still don't agree with Christianity's or any other religion's views and explanations of a higher power, but I'm no longer in the "There may or may not be" mindset....

You are in the 'Spiritual but not religious category' perhaps, which means you do not have a religious practice. Its a secular position but can be spiritual.

Let me ask a few clarifying questions: What feelings and thoughts do you have about children who starve to death? What do you think about the difference between an ignorant person and an educated one, and what is the most humble and grotesque task you would be willing to perform for the sake of another person?

 

[sun rise]

Welcome to RF. You can see that we'll give you a smorgasbord of opinions and you can choose the one that fits

 

[Kenny]

Welcome,

As a Christian, I really can't offer you any suggestions. But I do hope you find your way to truth.

Bon voyage

 

[thewalrus]

Thank you all for responding! I'm going to stick with calling myself Agnostic.

To answer your question Sanzbir, I'm just curious about how I should describe my beliefs. I don't think labels are inherently bad, as they're helpful when you want to describe someone in a simple manner. It's people who create negative connotations for labels. Wouldn't you agree there's no harm in labeling myself an ice cream lover? (Unless I was lactose intolerant)

Thanks for your insight Brickjectivity, and to answer your questions:

What feelings and thoughts do you have about children who starve to death?

I think you're asking about my thoughts towards a higher power who lets this happen. An age-old reasoning best describes my thoughts: "If God is all-good, but can't prevent evil? Then he is not all-powerful. If he is able, but not willing? Then he is not all-good. If he is both, why is there evil? And if he is neither, why call him God?"

What do you think about the difference between an ignorant person and an educated one

Both may be able to make a strong argument, but only an educated person sees the importance of understanding the other side.

what is the most humble and grotesque task you would be willing to perform for the sake of another person?

Not sure what kind of answer you're looking for with this question. All I'll say is that people are willing to go to extreme lengths to protect the well-being of others, especially their loved ones.

 

[David T]

Hi everybody, hope this post finds you well. I explored the site a bit and I've gotta say, I'm glad to see there's a place for people to intelligently discuss such a touchy topic. It's a rarity these days, at least in my experience. But, I digress. Onto my question.

After leaving Christianity, I began to call myself Agnostic. However, I've recently begun to lean back towards the possibility that a higher power exists. I still don't agree with Christianity's or any other religion's views and explanations of a higher power, but I'm no longer in the "There may or may not be" mindset. Is Agnostic still the best way to describe my beliefs, or is there another view that might better describe my position?

Personally I just say seeker. Not a bad thing. Btw there is a higher power than culture, than religion, than humans, than science even. We call it nature.. Don't tell anyone though, apparently it's a deeply guarded secret as far as I can tell and Invisible apparently....

 

[shunyadragon]

Hi everybody, hope this post finds you well. I explored the site a bit and I've gotta say, I'm glad to see there's a place for people to intelligently discuss such a touchy topic. It's a rarity these days, at least in my experience. But, I digress. Onto my question.

After leaving Christianity, I began to call myself Agnostic. However, I've recently begun to lean back towards the possibility that a higher power exists. I still don't agree with Christianity's or any other religion's views and explanations of a higher power, but I'm no longer in the "There may or may not be" mindset. Is Agnostic still the best way to describe my beliefs, or is there another view that might better describe my position?

This is the best designation. I am a philosophical agnostic and Socratic skeptic, but by faith a Baha'i.

 

[George-ananda]

Hi everybody, hope this post finds you well. I explored the site a bit and I've gotta say, I'm glad to see there's a place for people to intelligently discuss such a touchy topic. It's a rarity these days, at least in my experience. But, I digress. Onto my question.

After leaving Christianity, I began to call myself Agnostic. However, I've recently begun to lean back towards the possibility that a higher power exists. I still don't agree with Christianity's or any other religion's views and explanations of a higher power, but I'm no longer in the "There may or may not be" mindset. Is Agnostic still the best way to describe my beliefs, or is there another view that might better describe my position?

Agnostic would not be correct as you said you now believe in a higher power. 'Theist' then would be a better word which doesn't imply any religion.

 

[Nakosis]

Is Agnostic still the best way to describe my beliefs, or is there another view that might better describe my position?

Use whatever seems appropriate to you at the time. You can always change it, if you come across some ideology, philosophy or religion you like better.

 

[Eris999]

This is the best designation. I am a philosophical agnostic and Socratic skeptic, but by faith a Baha'i.

What is baha'i?

 

[Revoltingest]

Greetings!

You're in for a treat.
Tonight's welcoming feast has haggis pie!

 

[thewalrus]

This is the best designation. I am a philosophical agnostic and Socratic skeptic, but by faith a Baha'i.

Do you mind going into a little depth about what those beliefs are?

 

[Electra]

can you please tickle my fancy and start of a post as

' i am the walrus'

heheheheh

 

[Laika]

Hi everybody, hope this post finds you well. I explored the site a bit and I've gotta say, I'm glad to see there's a place for people to intelligently discuss such a touchy topic. It's a rarity these days, at least in my experience. But, I digress. Onto my question.

After leaving Christianity, I began to call myself Agnostic. However, I've recently begun to lean back towards the possibility that a higher power exists. I still don't agree with Christianity's or any other religion's views and explanations of a higher power, but I'm no longer in the "There may or may not be" mindset. Is Agnostic still the best way to describe my beliefs, or is there another view that might better describe my position?

Agnostic sounds fine. labels can only communicate a very limited amount of information, so its probably best not to focus on it.

I love the Hunter S Thompson avatar btw. Welcome to bat country!

 

[Aupmanyav]

.. I'm no longer in the "There may or may not be" mindset.

Like George-Ananda said, if you are not in the "There may or may not be" mindset, then you are not an agnostic, you are a deist/theist.

 

[Apologes]

Welcome and yes, Agnostic would be fine.