Misconceptions of Christian theology

[Neo-Scholastic]

Surely you don't mean an agnostic atheist needs to cultivate a competent theology in order to assess the validity of the Christian faith.

Initially, no. Eventually, yes.

Usually it begins with a recognition that whatever they are currently doing has stopped working for them, the "dark night of the soul." Then a process of self-reflection during which they identify deficiencies of the heart, a "the God shaped hole." Followed by repentance and an earnest desire to learn about spiritual things. Having identified a need that cannot be filled by earthly pursuits, people turn to various religions for guidance. It is only at this point that people start to cultivate knowledge about each faith tradition. Some become Christians. Others go elsewhere.

Very, very few people come to the Lord by intellectual effort alone and if they do it usually does not last. Faith must root itself in a deeper place. From there it informs the intellect. I think most agnostics sense this (maybe you, maybe not) because they instinctively recoil from atheism, whereas they have only a polite indifference to religion.