Agnosticism

Agnosticism is the view that the existence of God is impossible to be known or proven. The word “agnostic” essentially means “without knowledge.” Agnosticism is a more intellectually honest form of atheism. Atheism claims that God does not exist, an unprovable position. Agnosticism argues that God’s existence cannot be proven or unproven, that it is impossible to know whether or not God exists. In this, agnosticism is correct. God’s existence cannot be empirically proven or disproven.

Note: Agnostics claim there is a lack of evidence for the existence of God even as all creation continually proclaims His glory.

The truth that every human being suppresses is the truth of God—the truth that God reveals of Himself in nature to the whole human race. It’s the truth that God gives of Himself that’s manifest. It’s clear. It’s plain—so plain that everybody gets it. And you know why it’s clear? Because God Himself is the teacher. We can’t say here that if the student doesn’t learn, the teacher didn’t teach. That would impugn the ability and the integrity of the Almighty, who is the One in His revelation that is showing it to everybody, making it plain and clear.

Hebrews 11:6-  And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

John 4:24- God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”

Unless God chooses to reveal Himself, He is invisible to our senses, see Romans 1:20.

Note: Agnostics are unwilling to make a decision either for or against God’s existence. It is the ultimate “straddling the fence” position. Theists believe that God exists. Atheists believe that God does not exist. Agnostics believe that we should not believe or disbelieve in God’s existence, because it is impossible to know either way.

If we put the positions of theism and agnosticism on equal footing, which makes the most “sense” to believe in regards to the possibility of life after death? If there is no God, theists and agnostics alike all simply cease to exist when they die. If there is a God, both theists and agnostics will have someone to answer to when they die. From this perspective, it definitely makes more “sense” to be a theist than an agnostic. If neither position can be proven or disproven, it seems wise to make every effort to thoroughly examine the position that may have an infinitely and eternally more desirable end result.

It is normal to have doubts. There are many things in this world that we do not understand. Often, people doubt God’s existence because they do not understand or agree with the things He does and allows. However, as finite human beings we should not expect to be able to comprehend an infinite God.

We must believe in God by faith and trust His ways by faith. God is ready and willing to reveal Himself in amazing ways to those who will believe in Him, see Deuteronomy 4:29.

Note: The Agnostic worldview holds some space for God to exist.

An agnostic believes that their belief system is the most rational and reasonable worldview, sometimes because of the ‘damage’ done by religion throughout the centuries, but mainly because it seems to be the most consistent with the observable world according to the scientific method. However, they are usually open to the idea that God could possibly exist.

About God: This person believes God can’t be proven or disproven, so in the practical sense they basically don’t believe in God.

About the Trinity: Like God, the reality of the Trinity would be a possibility.

About Jesus: An agnostic believes Jesus was either just an ordinary person, or never existed at all. They will oftentimes refer to the ‘Jesus-Myth’ or ‘Jebus’ (a sarcastic reference to Christ).

About the Bible: This person believes the Bible is a collection of myths, half-truths, and lies designed to lead ignorant people astray and give power to religious leaders over the masses.

About the Afterlife: The agnostic believes the reality of the afterlife is a possibility, because it can’t be proven or disproven.

About Salvation: In an agnostic’s mind, there is no need for salvation from sin and hell.

What the Bible Teaches

About God: God identified Himself as “I Am” (Exodus 20:2) – meaning He is the self-existent (had no beginning or end) eternal Creator of the universe.

About the Trinity: There is one God and yet three Persons (Isaiah 45:5; Deuteronomy 6:4; James 2:19).

About Jesus: Jesus is fully God and fully man. He is not just an enlightened man. He is the God of the universe (John 1:1, 14, 18; 8:58; 10:30. Compare Titus 2:13 and Isaiah 45:21), and He is equal with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit.

About the Bible: The Bible alone is the word of God. It is without error. It cannot and should not be added to or subtracted from (2 Timothy 3:16-4:4; Revelation 22:18-20). It backs up its claim as the word of God with accuracy, historical correctness, and fulfilled prophecy.

About Salvation: Every person born on this planet is born into sin, is destined for hell and needs a Savior. Salvation is by faith in Christ on the basis of His death on the cross. Good works or self-denial have nothing to do with being saved (John 3:16-17, 36; 6:29, 47; Romans 4:1-5; Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5). Those who trust in Christ alone as their only hope of salvation spend eternity in heaven; those who reject Christ spend an eternity in hell. (John 5:24-30; Revelation 20:11-15).

Things to Remember

• Don’t argue over whether or not God can be ‘proven’, because that usually puts you on the defensive, and the bottom line is you can’t really ‘prove’ God in the scientific method sense.

• Focus on the observable evidence of God that is built into creation like how ‘fine-tuned’ the universe is to support life, otherwise we wouldn’t even exist. This fine tuning simply could not have happened by accident. For example, the earth is the perfect distance from the sun. If it were just a few miles closer, we’d all burn up. A few miles further out, and we’d all freeze to death!

• Try to work what is called ‘Pascal’s Wager’ into the conversation – which goes something like this:

  • It makes more sense to believe in God than to not believe. If you believe, and God exists, you will be rewarded in the afterlife. If you do not believe, and He exists, you will be punished for your disbelief. If He does not exist, you have lost nothing either way.

• If they ask questions like: “How do you know which god is God?” – focus on the claims of Christ as being the only way and proving it by coming back from the dead. Remember to bring this up as a conversation starter, and not as an intimidating threat.

• Bottom line with an agnostic: Remember that you cannot argue someone to faith in Christ, but you can (and should) live in a Christlike way so those around you sense something different, which opens the door for you to explain the ‘evidence’.