"Fix reason firmly in her seat, and call to her tribunal every fact, every opinion. Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blindfolded fear". --Thomas Jefferson


Many people see agnosticism as the “gray area” or even a transition phase between theism and atheism. Well with so many varying definitions of what exactly each faith entails, it’s often very difficult to make the ultimate decision on which belief system is which. But with people labeling themselves as agnostic-atheists and atheist-agnostics, is it really necessary to have a single definitive title?

Agnosticism is often described as more of a concept than an actual religion. It’s a conviction associated with the existence or non-existence of God. Many atheists, however, have affixed a moral code, practices and the like to form a belief system with a lot of of the characteristics of a religion. Agnostics proclaim they do not know if there is a god, and therefore don’t believe and don’t not believe.

When compared to atheism, however, I think the two are completely different belief systems.
For one definition of atheism, E. Haldeman-Julius recommends that an atheist is one who fully believes that no gods exist saying:
“The atheist perceives that history, in every branch of science, in the plainly observable realities of life and in the processes of common sense there is no place for the picture of a God; the idea doesn't fit in with a calmly reasoned and realistic view of life. The atheist therefore denies the assumptions of theism because they are mere assumptions and are not proved; whereas the contrary evidences, against the idea of theism, are overwhelming."

In a second definition (the definition of atheism used by most Theists) an atheist is one who holds no belief in any gods, “Just as a newborn has no concept of a deity, some adults also have no such belief. The term "Atheist" is derived from the Greek words "a" which means "without" and "Theos" which means "God." A person can be a non-Theist by simply lacking a belief in God without actively denying God's existence.”

It may be true that many agnostics sway to one side or the other, becoming either atheists or theists, as their experiences grow and change their convictions on and perceptions of the world and the supernatural. But it is also true that many agnostics remain agnostics until their dying day.

I believe that this theory of agnosticism as a “gray area” is somewhat gray itself. Who decided on such final definitions? Religion, as I’ve previously mentioned, is a personal preference and, therefore, every person’s definition of it will vary, even if it be in a simple subtle manner. There may never be a single definitive definition of each religion. I believe that every individual has the personal right to decide if they wish to follow a single religion, to combine several religions to form a belief system, or to completely renounce the request to label oneself as anything.