I think the metaphore works. Even though the words themselves (agnostic and atheist) are really referencing two different things. I can see agnosticism as a path, or bridge in your metaphore, to atheism. I think that's how it worked for me. From my previous religious point of view, atheist seemed too definitive at that time. Agnostic just seemed to acknowledge that I didn't have all the answers. And it seemed more palatable. Once I felt comfortable saying I was agnostic, I could view religion with an open mind and investigate the idea more freely. The more I learned, the easier it became for me to embrace atheism.

To me it seems I can only teach by example it's difficult to talk reason to someone who is unreasonable.

Atheist: there is no imaginary, invisible, all powerful critter, fucking with us on this planet.

Agnostic: it is not possible to KNOW how the universe was created

Any other positions are stupid.

I'm an agnostic and have no problems with being there. I don't believe in a deity or traditional religion, but I feel there's so much about life we don't know, that's beyond our comprehension, and I relish the mystery.

Over thinking perhaps? I just do not believe after I learned about Santa Claus. That was it for me.

I am definitely C - I have firmly crossed the bridge and am happy on this side, but also willing to meet some folks halfway when they tentatively put a foot on the bridge and need a helping hand crossing over, or just want some company enjoying the view, from a point of looking at both sides. I do think the term "agnostic" is a helpful bridge word, between believers and atheists.

If the metaphor is useful to you, that's all that matters.

I'm an atheist. If asked, I have no problem explaining my position.
While I detest religion and truly wish people weren't insisting on being
delusional, it's not my job to bring anyone to logic and reason.
I've learned you can't anyway. They've got to come to those realizations
on their own.

I'm also an anti-theist want truly want all belief in gods and religion to stop.
It's harmful for believer and non-believer alike.

I don’t find it useful personally. I’ve never crossed the bridge, never been on it, never seen it.

I was always wandering around in the uplands and curiously watched the people running around in circles on the other side. Did I come by this bridge? Maybe, but I don't remember the thought of exploring it ever crossing my mind. I'm fine where I am.

I crossed that bridge over 55 years ago and have never regretted it.

I don't bother to argue or even talk to people about Christianity. I just defriend, block and/or ignore them.

For many years I havent given it any thought unless someone has brought it up religion or irreligion or any other kind of spirituality doesnt enter my head and thats the way I really want to be.

I have never needed a bridge. Always had my feet firmly on terra ferma.

Except when bungee jumping.

I'm at C but doing this is difficult.

I'm crossing the bridge right now and seeing all the benefits of freethinking. Someday I hope to go back bring others out of the darkness of religious bs. I hope us non believers out number the religious fool some day.

I have always been atheist as my parents were before me; and my grandmother; the others but going though the first world war would be enough to make you sceptical to say the least.

When I saw the title of this topic I thought it was about Scientology.

C.

I was never a theist.
I wasn't brought up in a religious household, so There was never any bridge.

maybe to some. not to me. there was no bridge for me. i wasn't religious but i believed in a personal god. it wasn't an important part of my life but he was just sort of there to listen to me (not listen and grant favors, just listen). then i realized that was a fantasy. as i've said elsewhere, it wasn't traumatic. it was just a realization. there's no god... oh, okay. i didn't even think to mention it to my parents, who likely wouldn't have cared. you think there's no god? oh, okay. so i didn't have to crawl from point a to point b. i was never at any of those points lol

g

No i hate metaphors