Every man, woman and child is agnostic Options

[Hey Hey]

Technically, every man woman and child is agnostic, there are no theists or atheists. We can believe we know, but in the true sense of what it is to know something, the existence of God is not like that. I can say there is a cup on the table and I can say I there is a God but the existence of the cup is 'knowable' (with caveats for my ability to interpret my senses). I think this was one of Mark Vernon's points.

Justin, High Wycombe http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/6199716.stm

[Lindsay]

I wrote the following comment to the article from the BBC that you posted:
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TWO KINDS OF KNOWLEDGE
It seems to me that there are at least two kinds of knowledge (that is, approaches to the sciences in general):

First, there is the kind which is based on the fixed-position thinking of certain "experts". In their struggle to gain power and/or wealth, advocates of this kind of arrogant expertism demand unquestioning acceptance of what they say or write. Such seek to achieve this position by attacting slave-like followers, sheeple, who will be, primarily, in awe of them.

Second, there is the humble kind of expert. This kind is never afraid of questions and is open to research. It seems to me that the truly wise experts are those who seek to share their knowledge. They share it, not to impress, but to inspire all of us to become explorers with them. As we explore this mysterious universe, together, I believe we will be amazed what we can, and will, do. As we develop a deep sense of awe, in coopertation with a rational faith, I believe that the possibilites out there are endless--Perhaps this is the only certainty.

THREE KINDS OF AGNOSTICISM
Also, it seems to me there are at least three kinds of agnosticism:

First, there is apathetic agnosticism. The apathetic agnostic is one who says, "I don't know, don't want to know, and I don't care!"

Second, there is also the cynical agnostic who says, "Life sucks!!!" In his novel, Farewell To Arms, Hemmingway puts the following words in the mouth of one of his characters: "Life is a dirty trick". Ironically, the handsome Rock Hudson, who died of AIDS, played the role in the movie.

Third, there is the curious and humble kind of agnostic. I presume that the former Anglican minister, Mark Vernon, is one of this kind--one who finds joy in uncertainty. As he writes in the article, "In fact, I have become really quite evangelical about the need for a passionate, committed agnosticism."

He tells us that following a period of being and atheist, he became an agnostic.

As for me, I did not have to become an agnostic; I feel I was born one, in 1930.

Currently, I like to think of myself as a humble and curious agnostic. As such, I have the feeling that it is through the door of this kind of agnosticism, and with the help of humble experts and agnostics, like Mark Vernon, that we can find the way to a bright, beautiful and knowledge-filled and joyfully uncertain future.

For me, faith is not a blind leap in the dark; but rather, it is a slow and careful walk in the light (with the help of knowledge, philosophy, science, art) that I have.