I teach a college class and the definition of an agnostic came up -- one who quesitons the existence of God -- A lively discussion ensued wherein we wondered if agnostics were actually atheistic -- would it not be true that if someone questioned the existence of God that he/she would be a non-believer; therefore, an atheist??

We all wound up being confused -- any insights to the difference? -- Does the class's logic make sense?

As my admired friends, and accomplished lap dancers, Sorka and Airedale(r) would say, it's all in the etymologies a-gnosis "no knowledge"
a-theos "no God." However, there was a thread on the A/A Board, I believe, that discussed agnosticism as "weak" atheism. Perhaps it hasn't been deleted. BTW, what subject do you teach?

There are basically 4 types of atheists and agnostics.

Soft agnostics -- simply haven't come to a decision about the non/existence of God yet.

Hard agnostics -- believe such knowledge can never be known

Soft atheist -- given humans' capability to understand things, come to the conclusion God does not exist but would alter their opinion given empirical evidence.

Hard atheist -- believes without a doubt that God does not exist.

Source: Agnostics vs. Atheists