I'm going to outline the views of some labels people apply on the internet. This list was helpful to me in determining where I fit on the spectrum.
Keep in mind that none of these sentences assert that the position can be proven, it merely shows the attitudes of various people in regards to the supernatural.
Gnostic Atheist- "There is no god and I am sure of it"
Agnostic Atheist- "I do not believe there is a god but I'm not claiming to know for sure"
Agnostic Theist- "I believe there is a god, however, I can't be certain"
Gnostic Theist- "god is real and I am sure of it"
Gnosticism comes from the ancient greek word gnostikos or "having knowledge". As it follows, gnostic theists or atheists would claim to have knowledge that god exists or does not exist.
This post was just to show the spectrum and the language used and what it all means. It just basically classifies people on a scale of certainty without absolute proof. Someone can, in fact, believe they are certain without any proof. Its all about your attitude.
Furthermore,
deism- "I think there is a higher power but I do not give it a name."
theism- "I think there is a higher power that interacts with everyday life. These people usually give the power a name and/or adhere to a religion"
Vix: I think, from what you have said, that you are a deist because you say you think there is something there but you do not feel the need to accompany that belief with religion. Some would say you are "spiritual" rather than "religious". However, I think with more thought, research, and time you may swing over to disbelief (judging from your responses to comments).
Keep in mind that none of these sentences assert that the position can be proven, it merely shows the attitudes of various people in regards to the supernatural.
Gnostic Atheist- "There is no god and I am sure of it"
Agnostic Atheist- "I do not believe there is a god but I'm not claiming to know for sure"
Agnostic Theist- "I believe there is a god, however, I can't be certain"
Gnostic Theist- "god is real and I am sure of it"
Gnosticism comes from the ancient greek word gnostikos or "having knowledge". As it follows, gnostic theists or atheists would claim to have knowledge that god exists or does not exist.
This post was just to show the spectrum and the language used and what it all means. It just basically classifies people on a scale of certainty without absolute proof. Someone can, in fact, believe they are certain without any proof. Its all about your attitude.
Furthermore,
deism- "I think there is a higher power but I do not give it a name."
theism- "I think there is a higher power that interacts with everyday life. These people usually give the power a name and/or adhere to a religion"
Vix: I think, from what you have said, that you are a deist because you say you think there is something there but you do not feel the need to accompany that belief with religion. Some would say you are "spiritual" rather than "religious". However, I think with more thought, research, and time you may swing over to disbelief (judging from your responses to comments).
Take the risk of thinking for yourself, much more happiness, truth, beauty, and wisdom will come to you that way - Christopher Hitchens
