The first time I heard the term "Agnostic" was in some freelance literature reviews, particularly on Christological themes. In my mind, the term and the way of thinking of this group evoked uncertainty and confusion. The term "Agnostic" became familiar when I heard it. debate and lectures delivered by Sheikh Ahmad Deedat (Allahuyarham).
Sheikh Ahmad Deedat, during the question-and-answer sessions of his debates and lectures, always sought clear confirmation from the questioner about their beliefs before asking a question. Whether they were Christian, Hindu, atheist, or agnostic, this clearly demonstrates the importance of knowing one's religious beliefs, particularly regarding God.
“"Are you Christian, Muslim, Atheist or Agnostic? Tell me your position"” Sheikh Ahmad Deedat explained to the questioner while standing in front of the microphone. There were many hilarious and tense moments for the questioner, as the question referred to his fundamental beliefs. And many were at a loss to answer this simple question.
Sometimes the questioner also answers with simple sentences.. “I don't know!” And this is what made Sheikh Ahmad Deedad smile sarcastically, and at the same time confused when he heard the answer. “I don't know!” Even though the question is clear and measured, it's not complicated or convoluted. At least the answer is clear. ‘'I am Christian'’ or ‘'I am an atheist'’ very simple.
That is the description of a believer or Agnostic. Adherents of this Agnostic sect are indeed confusing, confusing, even from the start these adherents identify themselves in purely intellectual terms. (pure intellectual). Trying with his rational and intellectual style in responding to beliefs.
Maybe because 'crazy' overdoes it and activates the function of reason so that overload In their heads, they become confused, uncertain, or doubtful. Even revealing one's identity is not intelligent enough, let alone demonstrating the true identity; it becomes even more complicated. This applies to both the truth they understand and the truth they explain.
At a glance, if explained by adherents of the agnostic stance according to their camp, agnosticism is an intellectual stance that essentially states that no one can determine the objective truth of a statement unless they can provide evidence that logically justifies that belief. (See, Prof. Shams, Philosophy of Truth, p. 48).
An Agnostic will doubt not only the truth of his own position by saying “I don't know!” However, it also claims that truth can be sought and approached, but is impossible to find. In the search for truth, the sun is likened to truth, so bright, large, and clear. However, agnostics look at it, squinting or even closing their eyes to see the bright sun.
Afterward, they will speculate that the truth is obscured. It's hazy, difficult to identify or discern. Yet, the truth is clearly before their eyes. Yet, they turn a blind eye to the information and truth that is apparent. What an irony and a tragedy.
That's a brief overview of a simple agnostic. They don't know where they stand. They can't answer questions about themselves, let alone about truth and their existence. They're confused, uncertain, and doubtful about themselves and their existence in the world.
It's no wonder, then, that Sheikh Ahmad Deedad often became angry when he encountered this agnostic questioner. He lacked a clear stance and didn't even provide a clear explanation of what he wanted to explain.
The ideology of an agnostic differs from that of an atheist. While both doubt the existence of the divine, the difference is that an atheist completely rejects belief in God, while an agnostic doesn't really care whether God exists or not. In other words, an agnostic will suspend judgment on metaphysical and theological issues, especially the eternal question of whether God exists or not.[1]
The 20th-century thinker Bertrand Russell argued that for an agnostic, it is impossible to know the truths taught by religions, such as the truth about God and the Last Day. If not impossible, Russell argued, it is at least impossible at the present time.
The emergence of this Agnostic ideology is divided into 3 (three) factors. First because of modernism. The progress of the modern age is the result of 'rationality', and views religion as an obstacle to the times. Second, religious motivation, religious doctrine. Combined with the findings of science and philosophy. Third, Instant way of thinking. These adherents don't want to bother, don't care about the concept of God's existence, whether or not he exists.
According to them, God is unimportant in human life. Whether God is present or not, they (agnostics) can eat, drink, work, earn money, and live comfortably without worrying about God's existence. God has no influence on life. That's their assumption.
Therefore, we must avoid the attitude or virus of agnosticism. God gave us reason to use it to think. So that we don't become confused, uncertain, and disoriented in life. Reason should be used properly, not left idle, where it cannot function optimally.
And Allah knows best
[1] Read, https://muhammadiyah.or.id/2022/03/mengenal-paham-agnostik-apa-dan-bagaimana/ (Accessed, March 31, 2026)
