Agnosticism is the belief that the existence of God is unknown or unknowable. It is not atheism. Atheism says there is no God. Agnosticism says we cannot know. The agnostic is not committed. They remain open. They see the evidence as inconclusive. They suspend judgment.

The term was coined by Thomas Henry Huxley in 1869. He called it the principle of not pretending that conclusions are certain which are not demonstrated or demonstrable. Huxley was a scientist. He applied the scientific method to religion. He could not prove or disprove God. So he withheld belief. Agnosticism comes in two forms. Weak agnosticism says we do not know now. Strong agnosticism says we cannot know ever. The difference is subtle. Both are agnostic.

Agnosticism in context

• Not the same as atheism.
• Not the same as theism.
• Based on lack of evidence.
• Can be combined with other beliefs.
• Sometimes called skepticism about God.

Agnosticism is often misunderstood. It is not a failure of faith. It is a position of intellectual honesty. It says: I do not know. That is a valid answer. Many people are agnostic. They do not belong to a religion. They do not deny God. They just are not sure. They are waiting for evidence. They are open to the possibility. The agnostic is not hostile to religion. They are cautious. They want proof. They want certainty. They have not found it. That is their right. The question of God is the biggest question. It deserves careful thought. The agnostic is thinking carefully. They have not closed the door. They have left it open. That is agnosticism.