I know of nothing I personally feel is more intellectually bankrupt that agnosticism.
Many can't bring themselves to say they are agnostics, but they are, and I'm personally tired of the pseudo-intellectualism displays they want me to buy into on their behalf.
If you'll recall, an agnostic is a person who says he hasn't decided whether there is a God or not. He takes no position. It's a wait and see approach.
An atheist, on the other hand, has made up his mind. For him, God doesn't exist.
It's not that I find the concept of agnosticism unforgivable, it's the lazy way most of them go about deciding they are an agnostic that angers me. Most have not read any significant part of the Bible, they have not allowed themselves to be taught about God and His people, and His people's own intellectual struggles.
Tell these same folks about new computer related technology that can do almost unbelievable things. Rather than say they are agnostic on that technology, they'll make the effort to learn about it, eager to believe.
Religion, beliefs, love and passion require hard work. After all, they are related. Agnosticism, on the other hand, requires no work, thought or consideration whatsoever. It's a lazy approach to life.
Make the commitment to properly study faith with an open mind, and if you're still not sure, I'll cut you some slack. Without evidence of completing that commitment, tell me or show me that you are agnostic, we have real problems.
;)
;)
Bill
First let me say you have mis-stated just what an agnostic is. It isnt that he hasnt made up his mind about the existance of god, rather he has concluded with some certainty that the existance of god cant be known.
Just as silly as some might think it is to believe a god exists, others (perhaps you) think its just as silly to believe one dosent. From where I sit I dont see a compelling argument for either side of the question; "Does god exist? You cant prove to me that it does, and the athiest cant prove it dosent
Again an agnostic dosent take no position, rather he takes the strong position that even after extensive study. one cant know, without a doubt, that there is a god. (or isn't)
Heres one definition I found that makes more sense to me then the definition you gave us. Agnosticism maintains that the nature and attributes of God are beyond the grasp of man's finite and limited mind; those divine attributes transcend human comprehension.
For the record I call myself an agnostic theist, ie I believe in a god even in the absence of proof. (Must be something the good sisters beat into me).