POET Riyaz Ah Riyaz

افسانہ ء " شینن تل کھٹتھ راز "

From the Page of "The Shaharbeen"
The Shaharbeen ....

The Rapidly Growing Tendency of Postmodern Youth towards Agnosticism

In the postmodern age, the intellectual and spiritual landscape of society has undergone a profound transformation. Among the most noticeable shifts is the growing inclination of youth towards agnosticism—a worldview that neither affirms nor denies the existence of God but maintains that ultimate truth is uncertain or unknowable. This trend is not accidental; rather, it is the outcome of complex social, philosophical, technological, and cultural changes shaping the minds of the younger generation.
Postmodernism and the Crisis of Certainty
Postmodernism challenges grand narratives, absolute truths, and universal claims. Traditional religious doctrines, which often assert certainty about divine realities, moral laws, and metaphysical truths, are increasingly questioned. Postmodern youth are raised in an environment that values relativism, plurality, and subjectivity, making agnosticism an intellectually comfortable position. Saying “I don’t know” feels more honest than committing to rigid belief systems.
Impact of Science and Rational Inquiry
Scientific advancement has played a significant role in shaping skeptical and agnostic attitudes. While science does not necessarily negate faith, its emphasis on empirical evidence and testable hypotheses has influenced young minds to question metaphysical claims that lie beyond observation. Many youths, unable to reconcile scientific reasoning with theological explanations, choose agnosticism as a middle path—neither rejecting faith outright nor embracing it uncritically.
Digital Exposure and Information Overload
The digital age has exposed youth to diverse philosophies, religions, critiques, and counter-critiques at an unprecedented scale. Social media, online debates, and global connectivity have dismantled geographical and cultural boundaries of belief. Exposure to contradictory religious claims often leads young individuals to conclude that certainty is elusive, fostering agnostic leanings.
Disillusionment with Religious Institutions
Another crucial factor is the perceived failure of religious institutions to embody their moral ideals. Instances of hypocrisy, extremism, politicization of religion, and moral corruption have alienated many young people. Disappointment with institutional religion often translates not into atheism, but into agnosticism—a withdrawal from certainty without embracing outright denial.
Failure of Contemporary Religious Leadership and the Misrepresentation of Faith
There is nothing inherently wrong with adopting a logical and critical approach in the search for ultimate truth. However, the deeper issue lies in neglecting our real being—the inner self or soul, which is not a physical entity and cannot be grasped solely by rational or mental compartments. Much of the present crisis stems from the approach of many so-called religious preachers.
For decades, youth have repeatedly heard religion presented merely through historical narratives, legalistic frameworks, and ritualistic practices. These explanations, often disconnected from lived spiritual experience, have grown tiresome and unconvincing—resembling what many perceive as outdated folklore rather than living truth. Importantly, this fatigue should not be mistaken for a deficiency within religion itself.
There is no shortcoming in any major religion when it comes to affirming or rationally defending the existence of God. Nor is there any scarcity of modern scholars who are intellectually equipped to engage with contemporary philosophical, psychological, and scientific discourse. While science and technology have progressed remarkably, authentic spiritual scholarship has also advanced, developing nuanced arguments that harmonize reason, consciousness, and metaphysical reality.
The real concern is that many contemporary religious leaders are neither morally credible nor intellectually prepared to address modern questions. To safeguard their authority, they discourage inquiry by labeling such discussions as sacred, dangerous, or faith-destroying. In truth, this avoidance often reflects fear—fear of intellectual exposure and irrelevance. The era of blind faith has passed; unquestioned acceptance no longer satisfies an awakened, informed generation.
There is no harm in listening to an atheist, nor is faith threatened by honest dialogue. On the contrary, truth has the strength to prevail through reasoned engagement. Faith that cannot withstand questioning is not faith, but fragility.
Psychological and Existential Factors
Postmodern youth grapple with identity crises, existential anxiety, and a fragmented sense of self. Agnosticism offers psychological refuge by relieving the pressure of definitive answers about life, purpose, and the afterlife. It allows individuals to remain open-ended, exploratory, and flexible in belief.
Agnosticism: Rejection or Transition?
It is important to note that agnosticism among youth is not always a final destination. For many, it is a transitional phase—a pause for reflection rather than a permanent stance. It may signify intellectual honesty, humility before the unknown, or a search for deeper, more experiential spirituality beyond dogma.
Conclusion
The growing tendency of postmodern youth towards agnosticism reflects broader cultural shifts rather than mere religious decline. It signals a generation seeking authenticity, rational coherence, and freedom from imposed certainties. Addressing this trend requires dialogue rather than condemnation, understanding rather than judgment. Only through meaningful engagement—intellectual, spiritual, and ethical—can society respond constructively to the questions and doubts of its youth.
Agnosticism, in essence, is not always disbelief; often, it is the courage to admit uncertainty in a world overflowing with claims of absolute truth.

By :Riyaz Ahmad Riyaz

With Professor Bashar Bashir sb at Srinagar

Receiving a memento from Professor Shaad Ramzan at Anantnag — a moment of honour and gratitude ❤️