The Inherent Agnosticism of Theism

In the interest of continuing the purpose for which these blogs were created, I will now post something that is non-nonsensical.

Well, the title does a fairly good job of summing up my idea. Recently I have thought that the tenets of agnosticism are not only not in discordance with theism, they actually coincide a bit. That is to say, if I understand the position of agnostics and the ideas of theism, nothing directly conflicts. I have always thought that the foundation of the agnostic outlook is simply denial of the existence of proof for God. Now, perhaps there is more than that, but isn't that the basic idea? As I find myself examining my theistic outlook, I discover that indeed I have no proof for God's existence. And I assume that since no one among the theists has given me (or anyone else) proof, either it doesn't exist or we can't know it.

I think I should try and clarify what I mean by proof. Because certainly there exists evidence for God's existence and non-existence. However, none of this evidence is conclusive or completely convincing. I can, for example, prove that I am not falling off my chair right now by specifying the terms of the proof (i.e., the existence of the chair, my position and movement in relation to it, and the conditions that need to be met for me to be falling off of it). Most (I hope all) people, were they here now, would be convinced that I am indeed sitting comfortably on my chair. My hope in trying to clarify this point is that I can curtail any discussions about what it means to prove God's existence.

Anyway, back the the main point. Just as agnostics think there is no proof, theists don't have any proof or claim to have any. I have forwarded this notion to a few people already, and they have trouble imagining a theist conceding this point, citing various situations where a theist has claimed to posess proof. I can't speak for every theist, but I can speak for what I believe theist doctrine to be. To my knowledge, nowhere does the church teach that God's existence is provable. For in a famous Douglas Adams quote, "Proof denies faith, and without faith I (God) am nothing." The only difference between theists and agnostics I see is that theists believe where agnostics see no reason to do so.

Now, for all the theists out there who are obstinately clinging to their proofs, I challenge you to re-examine them. I can say in all honesty that I am plagued with doubt. I know my dad, a devout Catholic and former priest, has doubts. Some of the most famous religious people in history have been filled with doubt. C.S. Lewis has a whole book about it. I would even go so far as to say that any rational person who has given the matter any thought will have to admit that there is plenty of doubt to go around.

In fact, this doubt is healthy and desirable. If more theists embraced their doubt, I believe their faith would be stronger because of it. Faith is not about proof; faith is about faith. Less point in having faith in God if he knocks on the door and waves at you pleasantly for awhile. Although I would enjoy that. Additionally, time and time again I have conversed with agnostics and found them to have arrived at their current positions by way of a doubtless and stubborn theist.

Alrighty then, I guess that is it. Please feel free to comment. Especially on the bits about theism and agnosticism, but any sort of comments are welcome. I suppose.

The Tale of the Apple

For my second post, I will tell the tale of an Apple.

One fine morning, I made a trip to the campus bookstore to purchase textbooks. I ended up buying an obscene amount (11 books for only 2 new classes). I thought, what would help offset this tremendous financial blow? I decided to buy and consume some tea.

I positioned myself in the queue for the local cafe cash register, and while I was trying to decide what kind of tea to get, I saw a basket of apples sitting on the counter. Of course, these apples are there every time I go there, but today something made me want to eat one instead of just giving them the usual friendly nod. So, I bought some earl gray tea and a braeburn apple. I promptly placed the apple in my bag along with the textbooks I had just bought and began the trek back to my room.

Once I arrived, I began to unpack my bag. To my dismay, the apple was nowhere to be found. I thought, how odd that the apple I had just placed in my bag was no longer there. Unusual behavior for an apple. I then retraced my steps all the way back to the cafe, but there was no apple.

I still have not found that apple. I am keeping an eye out, though. I really would like to eat it. I suspect it is hiding in the same place as all those mechanical pencils that keep slipping out of my possession. If anyone sees it, please let me know.

Here is my first post. Neat, huh?