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Originally Posted by StuckInThe90s  Quote:
Originally Posted by Skepticologist I wish I had a nickel (no, make that a thousand dollars) for every introduction by someone who characterizes themselves as a former Christian. I realize the number of such individuals, at least within the confines of this forum, isn't statistically significant in the macro sense of things, but it sure feels significant.
I've followed a similar path from a fundamentalist Christian upbringing, through an awakening, and finally, to the existence I currently enjoy as an agnostic who demands a bit more than some feel-good premise for the basis of his operating beliefs.
If I could enumerate a dictum for approaching life and figuring out what to believe in, it would be something like, "If it doesn't make sense, don't spend any more time on it." | WOW, thank you for that heart-felt welcome! 
You really give more of a vibe of atheist than agnostic. |
Hey, I'm not known for my manners. After all, this isn't a social club. If you spend the time looking for a site like this and logging on and posting a message, I figure you're out for some serious discussion. So please forgive my lack of expected gentility.
An interesting point (with regard to my coming across more as an atheist). You'd probably do well exploring the "What is an Agnostic" forum if you haven't already. You've observed, and I think rightfully so, that there's a rather fine line between an agnostic and an atheist. After all, neither believes in god. The difference is that his or her or its existence is an open question with an agnostic. Our position is that we don't believe in god because we've seen no compelling evidence of his or her or its existence. An atheist, on the other hand, claims to have compelling evidence for the
non-existence of god. I personally haven't seen any such evidence, so, with me, it's still an open question.
But you're completely on target with your observation that, from a strictly day-to-day operational perspective, there's really no substantive difference between agnostics and atheists. Neither of us spends a lot of time in church or bowed in prayer, and we very likely vote about the same way.