Religion is a tricky subject for just about everyone, regardless of who you are and where you stand on the matter. It seems that the only thing tougher than figuring out religion... is talking about it. Unfortunately, there just isn’t a perfect way to educate about religion without a little bias because we’re human. So maybe we don’t have the best way figured out yet, but we can start by addressing some myths, in this case, myths about a lack of religion (agnosticism).
1. Agnosticism = atheism.
Although the terms are often used interchangeably, the term agnostic refers to someone who doesn’t agree or disagree with theism (belief that God exists), while atheism is a firm denial of the fact that a God exists.
2. The term "agnosticism" is as old as religion.
Agnosticism wasn’t coined until 1869, and it was coined by an English biologist, Thomas Huxley. Although, it is believed that many people may have followed this practice earlier, the definitions that know now are all relatively modern.
3. Agnosticism and no religious affiliation are the same.
No religious affiliation is people that choose to not side with a particular religion or branch of religion, but it doesn’t address whether or not they believe in a higher power. For example, someone who is spiritual and believes in God but doesn’t attend a church, could be non-affiliated and not agnostic.
4. Agnosticism only exists in America.
Approximately 76 percent of the global agnostic population is from Asia and the Pacific. The second highest concentration of agnostic peoples stem from Europe. Africa and South America both have the lowest concentration of agnostic people in the world.
5. There is only one kind of agnosticism.
There is Agnostic Atheism (weak atheism), which is the idea that no God exists as we know now, but that it’s possible we could know one day as human knowledge increases. There is additionally strong Agnosticism; the idea that no higher power exists and that it isn’t within the realm of human knowledge to know. Finally, there is Agnostic Theism (optimistic agnosticism), which is someone who deeply hopes there is a God, but doesn't know any way to prove it.
6. Agnosticism isn’t popular.
About 14 percent of the world is considered agnostic. Celebrities such as Zac Efron, Gene Kelly and Neil Patrick Harris have openly defined themselves as agnostic. There are many influential writers, scientists, painters and other people who have declared themselves agnostic.
Although confusion will always abound, it’s important to do our part in learning more and educating ourselves about the things we don’t know. Religion, or lack thereof, is a highly personal choice so whatever you choose, choose for you and do your research.
