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It was around Clifford's era that Thomas Huxley coined the…

“It was around Clifford's era that Thomas Huxley coined the term agnostic, which did not exist before the nineteenth century. Agnostics, Huxley said, “totally refuse to commit” to either denying or affirming the supernatural.” quote by John Ortberg Jr
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““It was around Clifford's era that Thomas Huxley coined the term agnostic, which did not exist before the nineteenth century. Agnostics, Huxley said, “totally refuse to commit” to either denying or affirming the supernatural.””

John Ortberg Jr

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Huxley introduced “agnostic” to describe a stance of withholding belief about the supernatural, refusing to commit either way.

In simple terms: Agnosticism is about not committing to belief or disbelief.

Key Takeaway

Embrace uncertainty without forcing belief.

Themes

philosophy religion skepticism

Mood

thoughtful inquisitive

Type

philosophical educational

When to use this quote

  • debate on religion
  • personal belief crisis
  • academic discussion

Key Concepts

epistemology faith commitment

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does it mean to live without committing to a belief?
  • How can uncertainty be constructive?
A Different Perspective

May overlook nuanced positions beyond simple refusal.

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