NationStates Jolt Archive

TW may not be around but he left me a key to the place. As he would say:

"Usual rules - everybody's welcome in this gentlemen's and gentleladies' club as long as they know the difference between agnostic and atheist .

No religious or political bitching please, just pull up an armchair by the fire and I'll bring you a drink."

*dons his cloak and poars a glass of brandy for himself*

Howdy.

Woo. Who wants to order pizza?

Woo. Who wants to order pizza?
Sounds good old chap. Make it pepperoni please.

*looks around for a soapbox and an ornament that can be easily bent into some religious shape so he can convert the heathens*
*fails to find them, but tries to convert the heathens anyway*
Silly heathens :P
Heathens is fun to say...you should try it on your freinds!

Hey. Wow, I have over 150 posts?! Where did that come from?

Okay, I'll take the plunge...I've always thought of the difference as being, an atheist KNOWS there isn't a God, while an agnostic isn't sure either way. But I've heard the term misused quite a bit...I even heard one person call themselves agnostic because they weren't sure which denomination of Christianity they believed.

Anybody have a better definition for agnosticism?

*looks around for a soapbox and an ornament that can be easily bent into some religious shape so he can convert the heathens*
*fails to find them, but tries to convert the heathens anyway*
Silly heathens :P
Heathens is fun to say...you should try it on your freinds!
Ah, you fail to understand good sir. I myself am not an agnostic. I am a believer. But this place is nice with its fire and never-ending bar. Sit down and relax and enjoy the pleasant company. Someone was about to order a pizza pie.

Yes, I use both heathen and pagan with my friends. Good times.

Anybody have a better definition for agnosticism?
This sounds like a job for dictionary.com!

ag·nos·ti·cism ( P ) Pronunciation Key (g-nst-szm)
n.
The doctrine that certainty about first principles or absolute truth is unattainable and that only perceptual phenomena are objects of exact knowledge.
The belief that there can be no proof either that God exists or that God does not exist.

I've always seen agnosticism as a way for me to examine all beliefs objectively, without the lensing which would result from atheism or theism. Since we can't prove God decisively, we can be much more open minded than any others.

I've always seen agnosticism as a way for me to examine all beliefs objectively, without the lensing which would result from atheism or theism. Since we can't prove God decisively, we can be much more open minded than any others.
Indeed. Agnostics are the most openminded and usually have more of a sense of humour.

and together the agnostics formed a single united front and voice, and spread their lack of belief with a mighty "Meh"

and together the agnostics formed a single united front and voice, and spread their lack of belief with a mighty "Meh"
Right after we play polo.

Did anyone check the Bible Bashers thread? Its at 960 or something. Too bad it couldn't get to 1000.

Did anyone check the Bible Bashers thread? Its at 960 or something. Too bad it couldn't get to 1000.
It may still yet. Have to keep an eye on that now, won't we?

Does it feel drafty in here? *ands another log to the fire*

Stop sitting on the fence and join the dark side. ;)

Come on, you know you want to feel superior to the general god fearing public. Also, you don't have to capitalize god. And you can use BCE and CE instead of the other stupid date system.

Hey fellow agnostics!

Does it feel drafty in here? *ands another log to the fire*

I hope no windows are open. The last thing we neew is Ffc2 getting in.

Come on, you know you want to feel superior to the general god fearing public. Also, you don't have to capitalize god. And you can use BCE and CE instead of the other stupid date system.
Actually I don't want to feel superior - and BCE and CE are just politically correct versions of BC and AD.

I will admit that I use C.E. (however it refers to the Cosmic Era), the timeline on which Gundam SEED takes place

Stop sitting on the fence and join the dark side. ;)

Come on, you know you want to feel superior to the general god fearing public. Also, you don't have to capitalize god. And you can use BCE and CE instead of the other stupid date system.
Ahem. Sorry chap. I have decided and I went the other way years ago. And I am a history major so I already use the Common Era system.

You can join us if you want to keep the debate out. Scotch?

Actually I don't want to feel superior - and BCE and CE are just politically correct versions of BC and AD.

'll usually use AD/BC for simplicity. A lot of people just don't know about the other, oddly enough. In research papers I use BCE/CE however. It seems more professional.

Hey fellow agnostics!
Welcome old friend!

*bings out cloaks for Superpower and Vetalia.*

Ahem. Sorry chap. I have decided and I went the other way years ago. And I am a history major so I already use the Common Era system.

You can join us if you want to keep the debate out. Scotch?
Hmm . . . while you're at it (offering him a drink), I'll go mix up some orange juice and club soda. I drink that up so fast.

Thanks Los Banditos. What kind of drinks available?

Thanks Los Banditos. What kind of drinks available?
It appears the bar is fully stocked with whatever you want. Don't ask how. TW was magic, so they say.

'll usually use AD/BC for simplicity. A lot of people just don't know about the other, oddly enough. In research papers I use BCE/CE however. It seems more professional.
Frankly I think its just messing with something that works, it seems rather stupid to me.
Besides, most of the world either thinks in BC/AD or has their own special ways of counting time. Its a bit like America and the Metric system, you know?

*Buys one of Hugh Hefner’s robes and dances with two hot blondes.*

I'll go with a tankard of mead. Time to go Viking.

I'll go with a tankard of mead. Time to go Viking.
YAGERFLAGGEN BLARG! GLARFGLAGGER!
*is an angry Norseman*

I'll go with a tankard of mead. Time to go Viking.
Good choice.

JRV, if you need it, there are rooms in the back.

YAGERFLAGGEN BLARG! GLARFGLAGGER!

I think its time for a raiding party.

I think its time for a raiding party.
Now, now gentlemen. As members of Agnostics Unite, we try to keep a civilized manner. If you do raid, make sure you wear your cloaks and shoes. Oh, and try to refrain from pillaging people for religious purposes.

Now, now gentlemen. As members of Agnostics Unite, we try to keep a civilized manner. If you do raid, make sure you wear your cloaks and shoes. Oh, and try to refrain from pillaging people for religious purposes.
Can we rape the houses and burn the women?

Can we rape the houses and burn the women?
Hmm...I guess but be back before 10. And wear your jacket. I don't want you getting a cold.

Sure, you do that...

*Puts shoes and cloak on*

Naah, there's no religous reason. The monasteries are just undefended and packed with gold loot.

Can we rape the houses and burn the women?

Why not?

Just make sure that the monks know that you respect their religious beliefs.

Nobody touches my women.

*Puffs on his pipe and reaches for a shotgun.*

Just make sure that the monks know that you respect their religious beliefs.

Of course. We give them leaflets after we attack saying, "We may kill you and burn your homes but we respect you". It's standard practice, outlined in the World Wassailing Federation Bylaws.

Nobody touches my women.

*Puffs on his pipe and reaches for a shotgun.*
Yes, of course. Gentlemen, make sure you leave noble JRV's women alone.

How is Stacey anyway? I haven't seen her since the time we...uhm...nevermind.

Well, I regret to say, but I must depart.

Time for sleep. (It's 12:34 over here in Ohio)

Yes, of course. Gentlemen, make sure you leave noble JRV's women alone.

How is Stacey anyway? I haven't seen her since the time we...uhm...nevermind.

You can sleep with my girls, but only if it’s consensual… I ain’t got a problem with that. If it ain't consensual though...

Well, I regret to say, but I must depart.

Time for sleep. (It's 12:34 over here in Ohio)
A shame. The doors are always open though.

JBC World News Bulletin: America declares war on Canada.

*reading newspaper*Looks like the Phillies won again...

*door opens and walks in* *makes little eye contact and directs himself to a chair near the fire*

Greetings... Might as well add my definition and clarity of agnosticism. In regards to religion, I am a skeptic. I am convinced there is no god or supreme being with emphasis upon the God of Abraham. To me it does not make any logical or rational sense, arguments that I hope to bring to debate soon. I am also convinced that the Homeric gods also do not exist. You may at this point assume I am an atheist. That would be incorrect. I consider myself, and rightfully so, an agnostic. Despite my convictions, I understand and accept that my theory can not be proved. I ask any man to disprove rationally and logically the existence of Poseidon; he shall have an impossible task. Therefore, I am unable to declare any idea incorrect. I accept that any religious belief, any possibility currently understood or not could realistically be the end result. Being atheist makes you just as close minded as theists. My overall tolerance and acceptance of infinite possibilities reinforces my beliefs.

*door opens and walks in* *makes little eye contact and directs himself to a chair near the fire*

Greetings... Might as well add my definition and clarity of agnosticism. In regards to religion, I am a skeptic. I am convinced there is no god or supreme being with emphasis upon the God of Abraham. To me it does not make any logical or rational sense, arguments that I hope to bring to debate soon. I am also convinced that the Homeric gods also do not exist. You may at this point assume I am an atheist. That would be incorrect. I consider myself, and rightfully so, an agnostic. Despite my convictions, I understand and accept that my theory can not be proved. I ask any man to disprove rationally and logically the existence of Poseidon; he shall have an impossible task. Therefore, I am unable to declare any idea incorrect. I accept that any religious belief, any possibility currently understood or not could realistically be the end result. Being atheist makes you just as close minded as theists. My overall tolerance and acceptance of infinite possibilities reinforces my beliefs.
Whatever and understandable, chap. Just keep the debate outside. Care for a spot of Bourbon?

Might as well... should keep the debate down.

*pokes fire to keep it going*

Always seems that you can not keep them going. One of the chaps has a game of croquet going on out back. Or maybe someone will bring up a lively, lighthearted topic for us.

Hey fellow...umm...agnosticans. May I join you?

Hey fellow...umm...agnosticans. May I join you?
The door is open to those who want to join and relax and get away from all the bickering out there aobut which religion is right. Pull up a chair. I may get this fire going someday.

*enters the room with a lit cigarette sticking out the side of mouth and a half empty bottle of Jack Daniels clutched in his right hand*

Agnosticism....? I remember a definition that was fairly witty. It comes from the Heritics Dictionary (a spinoff of the devils dictionary), ah yes here it is.

Agnostic, n. 1) An atheist who craves social acceptance; 2) A person who feels superior to atheists by merit of his ignorance of the rules of logic and evidence.

I think agnosticism tends to blur with atheism among the so called "weak atheists," agnostics readily admit they are uncertain, (respectful) while weak atheists admit they are uncertian, but favor the side without a god (respectful also). I've met many weak atheists, Im one myself (its hard to tell the difference between agnosticism and atheism to us too.) They dont seem as dogmatic as most atheists. I cringe everytime I see a dogmatic atheist spout hateful words at theists, they give all of us a bad name.
Just felt I should have a say.

True enough. The worst of both ends ruin it for the rest.

I myself am an agnostic turned non-denominational Christian. I think it keeps me open-minded to those with other beliefs and allows me to understand how they feel. I was once one of those who was not sure what was right.

I has been my opinion that agnostics do not say they are not sure because of logic alone. There is something else there that makes them unsure.

On a humorous note, I find it hard to believe that someone with the name like yours is only a "weak" atheist. :)

I will admit that at one time I was dogmatic myself, hence the facination with Nietzsche that still lingers, but I overcame that (with warm regards to Mark Twain)

Is there any room for a Christian in here?

Is there any room for a Christian in here?
Uh, yes.

*walks in, much better rested*

Greetings again, fellow agnostics! Anything happen while I was gone?

*walks in, much better rested*

Greetings again, fellow agnostics! Anything happen while I was gone?
No idea. I looks like someone left the window open after I left though and noone kept the fire going.

No idea. I looks like someone left the window open after I left though and noone kept the fire going.

*shuts window, puts fresh logs and fire starter on the fire. It flares to life again*

There, that's better. Time for a fine glass of Pinot Noir. (some wine would be great after last night's mead bender.)

*shuts window, puts fresh logs and fire starter on the fire. It flares to life again*

There, that's better. Time for a fine glass of Pinot Noir. (some wine would be great after last night's mead bender.)
A good choice. Did you guys get a nice haul?

/me unites

What now?

/me unites

What now?
Just chill.

What comes next is up to you.

A good choice. Did you guys get a nice haul?

No. :( We accidentaly sailed to one where they actually had a "vow of poverty". Damn.

There is always that danger when pillaging monastaries.

I'm agnostic. yay, I'm united

What are we supposed to unite around?

*Interesting note about Agnostcism I learned in the BRI*
A man (I forgot his name) created the term Agnostic because he was tired of being ridiculed for being an Athiest.

What are we supposed to unite around?

I dunno...By the way, Willard, you missed a great show friday night.

How can agnostics unite if we don't have a decisive belief one way or the other? :D