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→Problems with the basic definition
This means that when we encounter a statement that lumps atheists and agnostics together, we may need to stop for a moment to define our terms - especially if the other writer is using the word ''atheist'' differently. Well, the term "[[unbeliever]]" is always useful in this context. --[[User:Ed Poor|Ed Poor]] <sup>[[User talk:Ed Poor|Talk]]</sup> 08:12, 31 January 2010 (EST)
This means that when we encounter a statement that lumps atheists and agnostics together, we may need to stop for a moment to define our terms - especially if the other writer is using the word ''atheist'' differently. Well, the term "[[unbeliever]]" is always useful in this context. --[[User:Ed Poor|Ed Poor]] <sup>[[User talk:Ed Poor|Talk]]</sup> 08:12, 31 January 2010 (EST)
:::::I sent you an email about this matter. [[User:Conservative|conservative]] 02:29, 5 February 2010 (EST)
:::::I sent you an email about this matter. [[User:Conservative|conservative]] 02:29, 5 February 2010 (EST)
::::::Actually, there is a very clear distinction between the terms 'Agnosticism' and 'Atheism'. The two are not mutually exclusive. One can be both, one, or neither of the two. Agnosticism, or its opposite, gnosticism, are epistemological claims regarding whether or not one has 'knowledge' of something. Theism or atheism are claims regarding belief. An 'agnostic' is one who claims that, regarding their belief or disbelief in God, they do not think that they 'know'. Or, to put it simply, they aren't sure. A 'gnostic' is somebody who does claim to 'know' whether or not God exists.
::::::So, one could be one of four things: 1. Agnostic Theist - One who believes in God but isn't 'sure' that God exists. 2. Gnostic Theist - One who believes in God and knows that God exists. 3. Agnostic Atheist - One who does not believe in God, but is not 'sure' that God does not exist. or 4. Gnostic Theist - One who 'knows' that God does not exist.
::::::These definitions should be acknowledged in the article.[[User:JacobP|JacobP]] 15:24, 31 July 2010 (EDT)