Tag Archives: sagan

(A)gnostic (a)theism

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(A)gnosticism deals with knowing a god exists or does not exist.
- a gnostic knows at least one god exists.
- an agnostic does not know whether or not a god exists.

(A)theism deals with believing a god exists or does not exist.
- a theist believes at least one god exists.
- an atheist does not believe any gods exist.

Gnostic theist: “I know god exists.”
Gnostic atheist: “I know gods do not exist.”
Agnostic theist: “I can’t prove it, but I believe god exists.”
Agnostic atheist: “I can’t prove it, but I do not believe gods exist.”

While nobody can truly prove gods exist, many people believe they can. These people are gnostic theists. Gnostic atheists, on the other hand, swear they can prove gods do not exist. This is not the case, however, as the supernatural cannot be disproven. Certain aspects of a particular god may or may not be provable by way of logic, but this does not prove nor disprove the possible existence of any gods.

Agnostic theists will admit they have no proof of a god’s existence, but will still adhere to the belief that one exists. There are many factors in play here, including (but not limited to) duality, a mind-body split, an attachment system, and decoupled cognition. These are all evolutionary traits that led, as a side-effect, to religious belief. Agnostic atheists will generally admit that the existence of a god or gods is a possibility, but that there is no evidence to support the belief and, as a result, will refrain from believing until sufficient evidence is presented.

Personally, I identify as an agnostic atheist. As Carl Sagan once said, “Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.” Until extraordinary evidence is offered in support of the extraordinary claim that a god does exist I will remain atheist. Until extraordinary proof is offered in support of the claim that either a god exists or does not exist, I will remain agnostic.

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After the Rapture

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This video was posted by YouTube’s TheThinkingAtheist on May 21, 2011:

RADIO ANNOUNCER: On May 21st 2011 at 1:27pm Eastern Time, billions of people suddenly vanished. Witnesses report hearing a loud trumpet, followed by a blinding flash of light and the sudden disappearance of men, women, and children everywhere.

Christian homes, suddenly empty, are now providing free clothing, furniture, and appliances to be donated to the poor. The dramatic decrease in motor vehicles on the road is reducing the demand for fossil fuels, driving gas prices down to 1.93 a gallon.

TBN, the Trinity Broadcasting Network, is now CSBN (Carl Sagan Broadcasting Network).

Prison populations have virtually disappeared.

Recycled bibles are now being used to make juice and milk containers for school children.

Former religious institutions are now being used for exploration, health, science, and recreation including facilities for laser tag (the Vatican), the world’s largest Jupiter Jump (The Creation Museum), and the worldwide distribution of Darwin Genuine Draft (Liberty University).

Our planet now has more money, more food, more space, more resources, more education, and more common sense than ever experienced in recorded history. There is a sense of joy, of jubilation, of freedom. The world unites in celebration in the wake of– *phone rings* — Hello?

CALLER: Hi, is this News 1550?

ANNOUNCER: Yes.

CALLER: Hey, uh, the Christians are all still here.

ANNOUNCER: Really? All of them?

CALLER: Yeah. Nothing happened. They’re all still here.

ANNOUNCER: Shit.

Life really would be better if all the irrational spouters of hate, bigotry, and intolerance disappeared.

See also: TheThinkingAtheist.com

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