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Understanding Agnosticism

Agnosticism, derived from the Greek word “agnostos” meaning “unknown” or “unknowable,” is the view that the existence of God, the divine, or the supernatural is unknown or unknowable. This perspective is often contrasted with atheism, which denies the existence of God, and theism, which affirms the existence of God. Agnosticism posits that human reason and empirical evidence are insufficient to prove or disprove the existence of a divine being.

The Bible addresses this concept of knowing God directly. Romans 1:20 states, “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.” This verse asserts that God’s existence and attributes are evident in creation, leaving humanity without an excuse for unbelief.

Skepticism of David Hume

David Hume, an 18th-century philosopher, is well-known for his skeptical views on religion. Hume argued that human knowledge is limited to impressions and ideas derived from sensory experiences. He claimed that since we cannot directly experience God through our senses, we cannot have knowledge of God.

However, the Bible provides a counterpoint to this skeptical approach. In Hebrews 11:1, it is written, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Faith, as described here, is not based solely on sensory experience but on the conviction and assurance of the unseen truths revealed by God. Moreover, in 1 Corinthians 2:14, Paul states, “But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.” This highlights the limitation of human reason alone in comprehending spiritual truths without divine revelation.

The Agnosticism of Immanuel Kant

Immanuel Kant, another pivotal figure in philosophy, proposed that human understanding is limited by the categories of our mind. According to Kant, we cannot know things-in-themselves (noumena), only things as they appear to us (phenomena). Therefore, he argued, we cannot have knowledge of God, as God would be a noumenon.

Yet, the Bible teaches that God has revealed Himself to humanity. John 1:18 declares, “No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him.” Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh, provides the ultimate revelation of God to humanity. Furthermore, 2 Timothy 3:16 affirms, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness.” The Bible, as God’s inspired Word, serves as a direct revelation of His nature and will.

Logical Positivism and Unfalsifiability

Logical positivism, a philosophical movement that emerged in the early 20th century, asserts that statements must be either empirically verifiable or logically necessary to be meaningful. Consequently, metaphysical statements about God are deemed meaningless because they cannot be empirically verified.

However, this position is self-refuting because the principle of empirical verifiability itself cannot be empirically verified. Additionally, the Bible speaks to the knowledge of God through revelation rather than empirical methods alone. In Isaiah 55:8-9, Jehovah declares, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” declares Jehovah. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.” This passage emphasizes the transcendence of God’s wisdom and knowledge, which surpass human understanding.

The Logic of Agnosticism: Self-Defeating Nature

Agnosticism claims that we cannot know whether God exists. This position often leads to a paradox: if one asserts that we cannot know anything about God, then this statement itself purports to be a form of knowledge about the divine.

Kant’s agnosticism is also self-defeating. He argued that we cannot know the noumenal world, yet he made assertions about the limits of human knowledge and the nature of the noumenal. In doing so, he presumes to know something about what he claims is unknowable.

The Bible counters this by asserting that God has made Himself known. In Psalm 19:1-2, it is written, “The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.” Nature itself testifies to God’s existence and glory, making Him known to all.

Other Forms of Skepticism

Various forms of skepticism challenge the certainty of knowledge, particularly knowledge of God. Some skeptics argue that religious experiences are subjective and cannot be taken as evidence of God’s existence. Others posit that the diversity of religious beliefs undermines the credibility of any single religious claim.

The Bible addresses these concerns by pointing to the consistency and coherence of its revelation. In 2 Peter 1:20-21, it states, “But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.” The unity and harmony of Scripture, written over centuries by various authors, attest to its divine origin.

Refuting Agnostic Claims

Agnostic claims often rest on the assertion that God’s existence cannot be known or proven. However, the Bible provides multiple lines of evidence for God’s existence and His revelation to humanity.

First, there is the testimony of creation, as mentioned in Romans 1:20. The complexity and order of the universe point to a Creator. Psalm 139:14 proclaims, “I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well.” The intricate design of human life testifies to God’s craftsmanship.

Second, the moral law within humanity points to a moral Lawgiver. In Romans 2:14-15, Paul writes, “For when Gentiles who do not have the Law do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves, in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them.” This innate sense of right and wrong reflects God’s moral character imprinted on human conscience.

Third, the historical evidence of Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection provides a solid foundation for belief. In 1 Corinthians 15:3-8, Paul recounts the resurrection appearances of Christ, witnessed by many. The resurrection is a historical event that validates Jesus’ claims and demonstrates His divine nature.

Conclusion

The claims of agnosticism, while influential in philosophical circles, fail to account for the evidence provided by divine revelation. The Bible presents a coherent and consistent testimony of God’s existence, character, and will. Through creation, moral law, and the historical reality of Jesus Christ, God has made Himself known to humanity, providing ample grounds for belief. Thus, agnosticism, in its various forms, ultimately falls short in the face of the comprehensive revelation found in Scripture.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).