Agnostic vs Atheist
There are many religions in the world, with billions of followers who firmly believe in the existence of a supreme power. However, there are also nonbelievers and those who say that it is difficult or impossible to prove the existence of God. True atheists deny the existence of God altogether, while agnostics are skeptical about the existence of a supreme power. Both categories of people do not profess religion in its strict sense, but there are differences between atheists and agnostics.
Key Takeaways
- Agnosticism is a belief that proving the existence of Gods is extremely difficult, while atheism is total disbelief in God.
- Agnostics are skeptical about the existence of God but do not profess true atheism, while atheists deny the existence of God altogether.
- There can be an overlap between atheists who are not so strong in their beliefs and agnostics who are firm in their beliefs.
Who is an Agnostic?
Agnosticism is a belief that proving the existence of Gods is extremely difficult. Agnostics are placed on a rung just below atheists and are less dogmatic than atheists in their utter rejection of religion and the system of a super power. Agnostics seem to get the benefit of the doubt and escape censure, unlike an atheist who is usually subjected to prejudice. Many people have doubts about the existence of Gods but are fearful of rejection from the majority. Such people continue to lead a dual life, displaying their affinity to religion and religious thoughts despite not believing in them. Agnostics, as they are not sure of themselves in what they believe, appear to be open minded.
In dictionaries, an agnostic is described as a person who says that the existence of gods is impossible to prove. The term agnostic was coined by a famous Darwinian, Thomas Huxley, who said that agnosticism was not a creed in itself but a method of perceiving religious beliefs. An agnostic believes in a thought system that says it is impossible to prove the existence of a God. Huxley himself said that it is impossible to ever know conclusively if there is a god at all.
Who is an Atheist?
Atheism is total disbelief in God. An atheist has to face all types of social pressures and may even face prejudices from those who are firm believers. Atheists are clear in their mind and do not have to face a tearing apart of their inner belief system and the system that they feel imposed upon them by the majority. Atheists have the courage to back their conviction.
In dictionaries, an atheist is described as a person who denies the existence of Gods. Atheists are more comfortable with their belief system that strongly rejects Gods and Godly things. However, as with religious people, even atheism includes strong and weak atheists. A strong atheist, since he denies the existence of God altogether, has no reason to believe in any religion and gods.
What is the Difference Between Agnostic and Atheist?
- There are many who use the terms atheist and agnostic interchangeably, which is a wrong practice.
- Atheists are people who deny the existence of God altogether, while agnostics are people who are not sure about the existence of gods and say that it is impossible to prove their existence.
- There can be an overlapping between atheists who are not so strong and agnostics who are firm in their beliefs.
