Although there is confusion in the terms, sometimes those who call themselves agnostics are just afraid of the other “A” word label. “Agnostics” are more accepted in society after all.
Now, since words refer to something – even if it is only to ideas – we can say that God exists as an idea, and a powerful one. Perhaps some atheists even like various versions of this idea (I like “the force” from the movie “Star Wars.”) The various concepts of gods are often the cause of wars and horrible crimes, but they can also be uplifting concepts, or at least useful in some way.
I refer to these ideas as “useful lies.” Regardless of their truth or falsity, some ideas can be beneficial as “operating principles” or “guides to life.” Consider the idea that everything happens for a reason, for example. It doesn’t have to be true to be useful, since it certainly can get you looking for the lessons and other values to be found in bad scenarios.
An atheist could say then, that a god exists as a common belief, or “useful lie,” and that as such, he may even do some good. But more than that, since an atheist simply hasn’t been convinced, he can believe in a God in heaven too. For this, he just needs God to come down and shakes his hand, or otherwise make his presence known.
Copyright Steve Gillman. To learn how to have New Thoughts And Creative Ideas, go now and subscribe to the free Radical Thinking Course at: http://www.RadicalNewThoughts.com
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