just a few questions (ritual, moral, reject, Earth, Deists)

[Dreamer]

Hello,
I've got two questions on my mind right now, first what is the difference between agnostic, theist and a deist. I was raised a christian, but question some teachings and now don't really know what religion I am in. I do believe in a higher being, and i don't know how he interacts in our lives. so just trying to figure out which one of those i would be.

And second for people who are in the same type of boat that i am in, have you found that this is just a middle point in between two religions? are you still searching for a religion, and if so what did you find?

ok i know that ended up being more than two questions but I'm just wondering. Thanks.

~dreamer

[MatCauthorn]

Originally Posted by Dreamer

And second for people who are in the same type of boat that i am in, have you found that this is just a middle point in between two religions? are you still searching for a religion, and if so what did you find?

I am no longer searching for a religion -- I am merely seeking to understand. My feeling so far has been that traditional religions tend to have very hard-and-fast rules on specific issues, and that these are meant for exclusionary purposes rather than to foster understanding. It is currently my opinion that there are no absolute spiritual truths which can be gained through earthly observation, and since earthly observation is all we have, then we can never be sure about whether there is a God, and if there is, what s/he is like.

I'd be happy to spout off more about my actual beliefs, but I don't think anyone wants to hear that. Below are some definitions for you to answer your questions about agnosticism, theism, and deism.

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From Wikipedia:

Agnosticism is the philosophical view that the truth values of certain claims, particularly theological claims regarding the existence of God, gods or deities, are either unknown or inherently unknowable. The term and the related agnostic were coined by Thomas Henry Huxley in 1869 and are also used to describe those who are unconvinced or noncommittal about the existence of deities as well as other matters of religion. The word agnostic comes from the Greek a (without) and gnosis (knowledge). Agnosticism is not to be confused with a view specifically opposing the doctrine of gnosis and Gnosticism - these are religious concepts that are not generally related to agnosticism.

Theism is the belief in one or more gods or goddesses. More specifically, it may also mean the belief in God, a god, or gods, who is/are actively involved in maintaining the Universe.

Historical and modern Deism are defined by the view that reason, rather than revelation or tradition, should be the basis of belief in God. Deists reject organized religion and promote reason as the essential element in making moral decisions. This "rational" basis was usually founded upon the cosmological argument (first cause argument), the teleological argument (argument from design), and other aspects of what was called natural religion. Deism has become identified with the classical belief that God created but does not intervene in the world, though this is not a necessary component of deism.
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-- Mat

[Original Freak]

And second for people who are in the same type of boat that i am in, have you found that this is just a middle point in between two religions? are you still searching for a religion, and if so what did you find?

I found it was a middle point between theism and atheism.

[Lady Crimson]

I was raised as a christian as well...and althoug, I didn't particularly believe in the christian's God, i did believe in a higher power...Thus, Deism suited me more than well.

[Ryan2065]

I considered myself athiest for awhile until I actually realized I was more agnostic. I don't believe anyone can say that a higher power does or does not exist. So I am neither a theist or an athiest... =)

[Jayhawker Soule]

Originally Posted by Ryan2065

I don't believe anyone can say that a higher power does or does not exist.

No, but I can (and do) say that no one has offered sufficient evidence to warrant belief in the supernatural, nor reason to believe in that for which there exists no compelling evidence warranting such belief. Consistent agnosticism is not an argument against atheism but, rather, a context within which a philosophically coherent atheism can be built and maintained.

[DreamQuickBook]

Originally Posted by Deut. 32.8

No, but I can (and do) say that no one has offered sufficient evidence to warrant belief in the supernatural, nor reason to believe in that for which there exists no compelling evidence warranting such belief. Consistent agnosticism is not an argument against atheism but, rather, a context within which a philosophically coherent atheism can be built and maintained.

Most people won't admit this, but I may as well go ahead.

I believe in "deities" because I want to, not because I have any reason to. I indulge in spiritual superstition. That doesn't mean that I reject any objectivism or science. I also spend too much time on the internet, I drink too much coffee and I talk too much. All of these are indulgences.

[michel]

Originally Posted by Jocose Satan

Most people won't admit this, but I may as well go ahead.

I believe in "deities" because I want to, not because I have any reason to. I indulge in spiritual superstition. That doesn't mean that I reject any objectivism or science. I also spend too much time on the internet, I drink too much coffee and I talk too much. All of these are indulgences.

I don't see why you feel that it is something you need to 'admit' to - there is no shame in believing in something because you want to............although I can imagine some on the forum would just love to hear you say that. There is nothing 'wrong' in indulgences, either as long as they are not causing anyone else problems.*Thinks* I must try to shut up tonight and listen to the others talking instead of hogging the conversation.

[DreamQuickBook]

Originally Posted by michel

I don't see why you feel that it is something you need to 'admit' to - there is no shame in believing in something because you want to............although I can imagine some on the forum would just love to hear you say that. There is nothing 'wrong' in indulgences, either as long as they are not causing anyone else problems.*Thinks* I must try to shut up tonight and listen to the others talking instead of hogging the conversation.

lol I thought the rule was that everyone had to say that they were religious because they had the divine truth and everyone else was wrong and stupid and evil. No? Darn... and I was just trying to be different.

[Jayhawker Soule]

Originally Posted by Jocose Satan

I believe in "deities" because I want to, not because I have any reason to.

Sounds a bit like Martin Gardner. Sharp guy.