I'm just happy to post the first message in this brand new category. I've never cared much for the labels we apply to one another and to ourselves but I just feel more comfortable with a category that seems to describe my belief or lack of beliefs more accurately. Having said that, I wonder whether we shouldn't be going in the opposite direction and lump all of these things under a single heading called ??? I guess not because it would result in the "minuscule minority" of heretics, apostates, etc. being swamped by the "righteous".
Great that they've decided to include this category... I wish they'd just add it onto the Atheism category, though, so that it reads "Atheist/Agnostic." We're not really different and we'd benefit from talking to one another. What do you think, Frank? +++++++++++++++++++ 06-20-02, 10:37 AM Minnesota Sarai
When I brought up the lack of an agnostic forum to the moderator yesterday I suggested combining the two: "Atheism & Agnosticism." Evidentely he thought it best to keep the two seperate. I agree with you: combining the two would be more benificial to both. Perhaps if this was brought to his attention a change could be effected.
06-20-02, 12:29 PM Elexina I agree as well, having the two categories together would be a good idea.
06-20-02, 01:23 PM frankvan
quote:Originally posted by Sarai: Great that they've decided to include this category... I wish they'd just add it onto the Atheism category, though, so that it reads "Atheist/Agnostic." We're not really different and we'd benefit from talking to one another. What do you think, Frank?
I think Sarai is right, as usual.
07-05-02, 01:29 AM K.K. These are the definitions and dates of origin of the two words, Atheist and Agnostic, according to Merriam Webster:
Main Entry: athe·ist Pronunciation: 'A-thE-ist Function: noun Date: 1571 : one who denies the existence of God - athe·is·tic /"A-thE-'is-tik/ or athe·is·ti·cal /"A-thE-'is-ti-k&l/ adjective - athe·is·ti·cal·ly /-ti-k(&-)lE/ adverb
and
Main Entry: 1 ag·nos·tic Pronunciation: ag-'näs-tik, &g- Function: noun Etymology: Greek agnOstos unknown, unknowable, from a- + gnOstos known, from gignOskein to know -- more at KNOW Date: 1869 : a person who holds the view that any ultimate reality (as God) is unknown and prob. unknowable; broadly : one who is not committed to believing in either the existence or the nonexistence of God or a god - ag·nos·ti·cism /-t&-"si-z&m/ noun
And in passing, the term agnostic, as can be clearly seen, has been in existence for 133 years, thus is by no means a "new" term. This post is submitted purely in my capacity as a "Gold Enthusiast" and not as the Site Administrator. The issue was decided by the Executive Committee, but I wanted to record the actual definitions and dates of origin for the two terms. I have been agnostic and no longer am, but I have seen too many "liberal" interpretations of the two terms to remain quiet.
A dog goes "woof" and a cat goes "meow" . The analogy is clear. Thanks - KK
[This message was edited by KingKrimson on 07-05-02 at 01:40 AM.]
07-05-02, 09:50 AM Sarai Well, KK, gotta say I disagree with this one (an every day dictionary is no good for philosophical issues), but it is your site, and without you *neither* forum would be around! So I guess I won't declare holy war on you. wink
Thanks for taking the time to consider it.
07-05-02, 12:09 PM Minnesota For what it's worth.
The reason that I feel the two would do best under one forum is that they are united by the same philosophical basis: a rejection of god. One is absolute whereas the other is provisional, which essentially comes down to a matter of degree. Often, both deal with the same issues unique to their shared belief, and would benifit by being able to participate together in answering questions.
07-05-02, 12:57 PM frankvan Separating agnostics and atheists, it seems to me, serves no purpose. Because they are two different things, or two similar things? Carried to its logical conclusion why not have categories for Episcopalians, Baptists, Methodists, etc? That conjures up the aspect of groups in agreement with one another to begin with and encourages social chit-chat. I would like to see one overall category called religious philosophy. or some such where questions about anything in the realm of belief could be answered by anyone who felt capable of delivering a factual answer. I think an Answwer Pool should be the place where people looking for answers come to get the information they are seeking, hopefully not to be abused or converted. It is not my category of choice but I think that someone looking for an answer to the nagging question he has in mind shouldn't have to look through a hundred categories to decide where to post his question.
08-01-02, 01:23 AM Yelena I would hate to think of being considered in the same catagory as atheists. We are a little similar, just one differnce which is to a me a very big one. You either believe in God, or you dont. And I do, and remain open to the logical possibilities of a logical God. I would hate it if anyone ever thought of me as an atheist(no offense to all you atheists out there), bexause it is the only religion/belief/whatever that I am actually against and disagree with completly.
08-01-02, 01:34 AM Yelena No everyone, I dont reject God!!! This sux so badly. Maybe Im the only one who disagrees here but I dont care. I believe in God just not sure which one. God, i would hate to have people think of me this way, as faithless.
11-09-02, 11:03 AM Julia0802 As a kid, I pondered the idea of a "god", but couldn't help but know that "I" was God. Not in an authoritarian way like being better than others, but I felt that feeling of eternity within my self - is the only way to describe it. Later in life, in my 20's, I was open to a friend's idea that I try chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo to attain inner peace and happiness and also achieve my goals. I did not believe it, but I did take the action - and chanted. It proved itself to me and I began to believe over time. I was way too much of a skeptic type to "blindly believe" because I was supposed to! Well, it's called Buddhism and does not fit the traditional definition of religion because there is not a superior power ruling my life. I am in control, for the most part (except for the invisible past karma I created as a different being), and I can choose to improve myself and create value in my environment. The chanting really lifts me up. I do it every day. And it fits in with my original thoughts as a kid, because in this Buddhism, we can become the equal of a Buddha - he is not someone we worship, but we try to emulate his behavior.
I also respect your right to not believe in a thing and understand it at my core. Hope I'm not totally imposing on this forum.
11-26-02, 09:51 PM Runic StormCrow Well, atheism (true, "pure" atheism) is denying divine power(s), but in the board, almost no one cares about everyone elses beliefs.
Just for the sake of a technicality of the definitions of the two, they are separate. And for the sake of new users, who would rather have specific baords than general ones.
However, the users who frequent the board feel otherwise. They know the true nature of the board and the feel of the posters, and so... Yeah...
Okay, I just lost my view on this topic, so before I make any more spam, I'm leaving.
Um, good luck with... the stuff...
-Runic StormCrow
(I'm so @#$%&! confused...)
This message has been edited. Last edited by: DorianGreyed,
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