Is atheism a religion?

[rageoftyrael]

If you go by the broadest definition of the word religion, the answer is in fact, yes. Here are some of the definitions i got after looking it up in several places.

Wikipedia - Religion, a set of beliefs generally about life, meaning the ultimate purpose in the universe.

allaboutreligion - The sum total of answers given to explain humankind’s relationship with the universe.

thefreedictionary - A cause, principle, or activity pursued with zeal or conscientious devotion.

Now, i'm fully aware that atheists tend to have different beliefs, and yes i know i didn't put in all the other definitions of religion in there as well. i just didn't think that was necessary. So of course, we would have different sects, right? Essentially, i don't think there are any gods, but i'm not sure, cause i don't know for certain. there is no proof either way.

I'm pretty sure that there are others with the same general belief as me. But honestly, that doesn't matter. If you have any kind of belief that has to do with our existence, you have a religion, if nothing but your own unique one. So, yeah, atheism is a religion. We just don't do anything normally associated with religion.

So, next time some theist says atheism is a religion, say "Yeah, so?" that'll really throw them for a loop.

Okay, this is in the debate thread, so come at me full guns a blazing. I'm ready for it.

 

[Madhuri]

Atheism is not a religion just as theism is not a religion.

 

[zenzero]

Friend rageoftrael,

Is atheism a religion?

Yes it is.
They too follow their religion very religiously, don't they; so they are religious.
Besides, Religion is a way or path to understand the *SELF*, which they do in their own way which is intellectual.

Love & rgds

 

[Madhuri]

Friend rageoftrael,



Yes it is.
They too follow their religion very religiously, don't they; so they are religious.
Besides, Religion is a way or path to understand the *SELF*, which they do in their own way which is intellectual.

Love & rgds

Except that there are atheists who don't do any of these. A lack of belief in a god'gods is not a religion.

 

[Nepenthe]

Wikipedia - Religion, a set of beliefs generally about life, meaning the ultimate purpose in the universe.

Which atheism does not address.

allaboutreligion - The sum total of answers given to explain humankind’s relationship with the universe.

Which atheism has nothing to do with.

thefreedictionary - A cause, principle, or activity pursued with zeal or conscientious devotion.

Atheism isn't a cause, principle or activity.

So, next time some theist says atheism is a religion, say "Yeah, so?" that'll really throw them for a loop.

I'd rather be honest and say "No, atheism entails nothing even remotely religious in nature."

 

[ThereIsNoSpoon]

no, it is not

 

[dogsgod]

Non-religion is a religion. There's no escape. All your bases are belong to us.

 

[rojse]

I needed a laugh this evening, and here it is.

:biglaugh:

 

[Hitchey]

Atheism is not a religion just as theism is not a religion.

That's a good point. Why didnt I think of that?

 

[rageoftyrael]

I was gonna try and explain it further, but if you guys are at all intelligent, you'll figure it out for yourself. Honestly guys, this helps atheists as far as i'm concerned. It sort of invalidates the importance of religion, doesn't it? But don't take this as a joke. And Rojse, if you don't have anything productive to say, don't come into my thread. Got it?

 

[OmarKhayyam]

Yeah, and not collecting stamps is a hobby.

Where is the supernatural element in atheism?

 

[Magic Man]

If you go by the broadest definition of the word religion, the answer is in fact, yes. Here are some of the definitions i got after looking it up in several places.

Wikipedia - Religion, a set of beliefs generally about life, meaning the ultimate purpose in the universe.

allaboutreligion - The sum total of answers given to explain humankind’s relationship with the universe.

thefreedictionary - A cause, principle, or activity pursued with zeal or conscientious devotion.

Now, i'm fully aware that atheists tend to have different beliefs, and yes i know i didn't put in all the other definitions of religion in there as well. i just didn't think that was necessary. So of course, we would have different sects, right? Essentially, i don't think there are any gods, but i'm not sure, cause i don't know for certain. there is no proof either way.

I'm pretty sure that there are others with the same general belief as me. But honestly, that doesn't matter. If you have any kind of belief that has to do with our existence, you have a religion, if nothing but your own unique one. So, yeah, atheism is a religion. We just don't do anything normally associated with religion.

So, next time some theist says atheism is a religion, say "Yeah, so?" that'll really throw them for a loop.

Okay, this is in the debate thread, so come at me full guns a blazing. I'm ready for it.

The problem with your assertion and use of those definitions is that atheism has no set of beliefs.

Atheism is not a religion for the same reason theism is not a religion. Those terms are only concerned with the answer to one question, and neither involve a set of beliefs.

There are belief systems and religions that are atheistic, but no, atheism itself is not a religion.

 

[MSizer]

I don't believe any of the definitions in the OP of religion describe me. I do disagree. (and I'm not a hater of religion, so it's not that I refuse to admit it - I just don't agree)

 

[Madhuri]

Yeah, and not collecting stamps is a hobby.

Where is the supernatural element in atheism?

Religion doesn't need a supernatural element.

 

[Kerr]

Atheism is as much of a religion as theism is.

 

[Magic Man]

I was gonna try and explain it further, but if you guys are at all intelligent, you'll figure it out for yourself.

Um...we have figured it out. I thought you said come at you with guns blazing. Then, when people do, this is how you respond?

The simple fact is that atheism is not a religion. It doesn't fit any of the definitions you posted, nor does it fit any other definition of religion. It is simply a lack of belief that a god exists. So, by your standards, if you are intelligent, you'll figure that out for yourself.

 

[jam.bar]

I'd have to say no because if it was then that means anybody that believes anything is defined as being religious. Also athiests tend to follow the science of the universe etc and last I knew, science is not a religion.

 

[rojse]

And Rojse, if you don't have anything productive to say, don't come into my thread. Got it?

Aye aye, Captain. irate:



Wait a minute. My comment was actually pertinent, for once. I thought the whole thing was ridiculous, and I signified this through posting a short, snappy comment.

 

[monta]

Some people follow it as though it were, that is fair comment. But some people are ******* sheep and sheep will wander around aimlessly until they find a shepherd or a wolf.

 

[BruceDLimber]

Greetings.

Atheism may be considered quasi-religions in that, while not a religion itself, it often reflects the same attributes as religions, including both assertions of objectively unproveable statements and in some cases, active proselytization!

Peace,

Bruce