CA132 From Atheism to Agnosticism (w/ Adherent Apologetics)
Jun 30, 2024
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Adherent Apologetics and the host discuss the shift from atheism to agnosticism due to religious ambiguity, diversity in theistic views, peer disagreements, and the value-selection hypothesis. They reflect on personal journeys, influences from Christian thinkers, and the complexities within theism and atheism.
Transitioning from atheism to agnosticism involves reassessing beliefs based on the diversity of theistic traditions and non-theism perspectives.
Accepting the value-selection hypothesis challenges indifference, highlighting the intricate balance between suffering, beauty, and existential questioning.
Deep dives
Transition from Atheism to Agnosticism with Atheist Leanings
Transitioning from a strong atheistic position to an agnostic stance with atheist leanings is a journey marked by reevaluating beliefs. Starting as a vocal atheist with minimal belief in theism, the gradual shift towards agnosticism reflects a reassessment of perspectives. This evolution showcases a move towards acknowledging the diverse spectrum within theistic and atheistic viewpoints, realizing that agnosticism with atheist inclinations better reflects the current outlook.
Evolution from Fundamentalist Christianity to Atheism
The journey from a fundamentalist Christian background to atheism involves a shift in belief stemming from critical reevaluation. Initially adhering to strict Christian doctrines like young earth creationism and biblical literalism, encountering diverse theological perspectives prompts a realization of Christianity's varied interpretations. Revisiting previously dismissed ideas like universalism challenges prior beliefs, leading to a nuanced stance that questions traditional assumptions.
Factors Influencing Agnosticism: Peer Disagreement and Priors
Agnosticism's emergence is influenced by factors like peer disagreement and uncertainty in setting inherent probabilities. Acknowledging disagreement among intellectual peers prompts a humility in holding beliefs, recognizing the subjective nature of belief justification. Uncertainty in determining priors accentuates the complexity of evaluating hypotheses, underscoring the nuanced process of navigating diverse viewpoints and epistemic considerations.
Value Selection Hypothesis: Rejecting Indifference and Exploring Agnosticism
Evaluating the value selection hypothesis challenges total indifference, contemplating the universe's nuanced interplay between value and indifference. Rejection of outright indifference in favor of value selection highlights the complexity of cosmic design and purpose. Embracing agnosticism as a response to evolving perspectives, the exploration of value-driven explanations offers insights into the intricate balance between suffering, beauty, and existential questioning.
Zac (Adherent Apologetics) and I explore a few of the things that drew me to agnosticism. Religious ambiguity, disagreement among epistemic peers, the diversity of the theistic tradition (as well as the varieties of non-theism), the seeming inscrutability of the prior probability of theism, and my acceptance of the value-selection hypothesis have all played a part in pushing me (somewhat reluctantly) to agnosticism.