8702 agnosticism

The inability to decide whether or not God exists. It is characterised by indecision and compromise when faced with the challenge to wholehearted commitment, and is condemned as sinful, inexcusable and unnecessary in the light of God’s clear self-revelation.

Agnosticism is inexcusable in the light of God’s self-revelation

In the creation Ro 1:19-20 See also Ps 19:1-2; Ac 14:17

In the person of Jesus Christ Jn 1:18 See also Jn 14:9; Heb 1:1-3

Agnosticism is sinful

Because God calls for wholehearted commitment Jos 24:14-15 See also Ex 32:26; Dt 6:13-14; Dt 30:15-19; Ac 14:15

Because God’s call demands total obedience Mt 9:9 pp Mk 2:14 pp Lk 5:27-28 See also Mt 4:18-22 pp Mk 1:16-20

Agnosticism results in compromise

In worship 1Ki 18:21; 2Ki 17:41 See also 2Ki 17:29-33; 1Co 10:21

In commitment Mt 6:24 pp Lk 16:13 in the attitude to money; Mt 8:19-22 pp Lk 9:57-62 in service; 2Co 6:14 in relationships with unbelievers; Eph 4:14 in accommodating false teaching

Agnosticism as a result of ignorance

Ignorance through being uninformed Ac 17:23-30 See also Ac 3:17-18

Foolish ignorance of God’s existence Ps 14:1 pp Ps 53:1 See also Ps 92:5-7; Jer 5:4

Ignorance of God’s presence Ps 115:2 See also Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17; Mic 7:10

Ignorance as a result of rejecting God’s truth Ps 10:4 See also Ps 36:1; Jer 5:21-24; Zec 7:11-12; Ac 2:22-23

Ignorance as a result of sin Eph 4:17-19 See also Isa 1:3-4; Jer 4:22

Ignorance is no defence against God’s judgment Ro 1:18 See also Jdg 2:10-14; Isa 44:9-11

See also