Agnosticism is a philosophical and theological position regarding the knowledge of God and the supernatural. The term, derived from the Greek “agnostos,” meaning “unknown” or “unknowable,” was coined by the 19th-century British scientist Thomas Huxley. Agnosticism posits that the existence and nature of a divine being, particularly the God of monotheistic religions, are unknown and potentially unknowable.
Theologically, agnosticism asserts neither faith in God nor outright atheism. Instead, it occupies a middle ground, where an individual suspends judgment on the existence of God due to perceived insufficient evidence or the belief that such existential questions are inherently beyond human comprehension. Agnostics may argue that current theological and philosophical arguments for or against the existence of God are inconclusive.
Agnosticism can vary in its intensity and implication—ranging from empirical agnosticism, which holds that there is no current proof for God’s existence but does not rule out the possibility of future evidence, to apathetic agnosticism, which claims indifference towards the existence of God, viewing the question as irrelevant to human life and ethics.
In dialogue with Christian theology, agnosticism challenges believers and theologians to address and articulate the foundations of their faith, particularly around issues of divine revelation, faith, and reason. It invites ongoing exploration and discussion about the nature of belief and the criteria for religious knowledge.
