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By Yelena Bagdasaryan
My whole life, I've had an interesting relationship with faith and organized religion. I originally grew up in a non-religious household of parents that came from the Soviet Union, where atheism was the established belief. However, despite this absence of religious practice, my family adhered to the traditions of Armenian Catholicism and Russian Orthodox Christianity, as these beliefs are deeply ingrained in our cultural heritage. On the other hand, this doesn't necessarily mean that we subscribe to these organized religions; in fact, I've grown up in an agnostic household that values humanism.
Agnosticism, a philosophical position that acknowledges the limitations of human knowledge, particularly regarding the existence of deities or supernatural phenomena, has been integral to my upbringing. Unlike atheism, which asserts the non-existence of gods, or theism, which posits belief in one or more gods, agnosticism emphasizes uncertainty rather than disbelief or certainty. Agnostics neither affirm nor deny the existence of gods, choosing instead to suspend judgment due to insufficient evidence or the inherently speculative nature of theological claims.
As I've matured, my agnosticism has sparked a spiritual curiosity within me. I've admired other faiths and sought to learn more about them by attending church with my friends and their families, participating in Hindu festivals such as Jalsa, and engaging in discussions during Ramadan. Contrary to popular belief, agnostics don't harbor disdain for religion; rather, we recognize the positive aspects it can foster. However, despite my exposure to various religious practices, I have come to accept that understanding a divine being such as a God is beyond my( anyone's)intellectual ability. This realization has led to pushback regarding my beliefs, from being told that I would change my mind to being warned of eternal punishment. Moreover, the question that repeatedly surfaces is, "Where do your morals come from?"
During my four years as a McConnell Scholar, the topic of faith has weighed heavily on my mind. Religion frequently arises in seminars and conversations among my peers, reigniting discussions about morality and its relationship with religion. I've recently read Greg M. Epstein's book "Good without God: What a Billion Nonreligious People Believe," where he argues that the absence of belief in a transcendent authority doesn't equate to a lack of moral convictions. Many agnostics, including myself, adhere to ethical principles grounded in empathy, compassion, reciprocity, and a commitment to the well-being of others. Rather than relying on divine mandates or religious rhetoric, agnostics engage in moral reasoning and introspection to discern right from wrong and navigate ethical dilemmas in their lives.
Epstein introduces the concept of humanism, which shares similarities with agnosticism by shifting the focus away from a divine being to an emphasis on the nature of humanity. While humanity is often perceived as inherently selfish, humanism acknowledges humanity's capacity for reason and compassion. Epstein suggests that humanism's roots lie in original human ethics, with an overlap in what humans consider right and wrong across various religious traditions. Humanism, built on the foundation of loving behavior, has found an emergency in various cultural communities, from African American to Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist, and Jewish communities. As proclaimed author Kurt Vonnegutt stated, “I am a humanist, which means, in part, that I have tried to behave decently without rewards or punishment after I am dead”.
My experience highlights a lack of religious tolerance in America for humanism, despite its widespread acceptance. Many of my agnostic peers feel uncomfortable expressing their beliefs due to the misconception that we lack a moral compass. However, I want to emphasize that I'm not anti-religion; in fact, I find religion incredibly valuable for the sense of community it fosters and the advancements it has brought to society. Yet, humanism also promotes community and morality through its emphasis on ethical culture. It encourages critical thinking, empathy, and a deep sense of personal responsibility towards oneself and others. In my opinion, love in any form is the closest humanity can feel to a divine being and that is what I prioritize in my life in all aspects. My humanist beliefs are invaluable to my moral compass as I strive to live in the present and to treat others with the respect and love they deserve.
Yelena, of Lexington, Ky., is a member of the McConnell Scholar Class of 2024 at the University of Louisville. She is studying public health and political science.