Is Atheism a Religion?

[Batman.]

Originally Posted by !!!YOU'RE$NUCKING$FUTZ!!!

Not all atheists believe in scientific theories but many do, so I'd hardly say that accepting scientific theories is a requirement for atheism.

Funny, nobody said it was a requirement. Its just the norm. I mean, usually when you're Atheist, it's because you don't believe in the religious ideals, which most commonly deals with things like the world as it is and how it became. So majority of the time, the Atheist belief system of how the world came to be is based on scientific principle, instead of the ideas of creationism. It's the norm, but its not required.

Then again, going to church isn't required to believe in Creationism either. Or to be part of a religion. In fact, my older sister is a Catholic, her husband is Catholic, and shes raising her son Catholic, but they don't go to Church. She doesn't really have TIME for Church. Her son (my nephew) goes to a Catholic school, and they participate in Lent, but thats pretty much it.

[Storyteller.]

Originally Posted by !!!YOU'RE$NUCKING$FUTZ!!!

Although I agree with your conclusion, your argument has some pretty big holes. The main issue is you say atheism is not having a religion. Well, unfortunately, that's not what atheism is but rather disbelief in a higher being, which as you kindly showed, disbelief in a higher being doesn't equate to non-religiousness. Your second flaw is circular reasoning and some backwards reasoning in that you say since atheism lacks a religious belief, it therefore is not a religion. A bat does not have wings yet it can still fly; a penguin has wings yet it cannot fly. Your argument of it not being a religion is an assumption, one which you have provided no argument for. As with the bat and penguin, this is meant to show the problem with saying since X does not have Y, then X is not/cannot do Y.

Hm, I see your point, but this is how I see it -
Religions involve a few things: beliefs, sacred texts (eg the Bible), rituals (like prayer), ceremonies (like Baptism), sacred spaces (eg a synagogue), and a worldview.
Can you honestly say that atheism has any of those?
People of a certain religion are drawn together by their faith in that religion. The only thing drawing atheists together, in my opinion at least, is their lack of religion.

[Xujhan]

Originally Posted by Algernon

Know why I think some Atheists are upset about this? Because they want people to think they are spiritual, and if they don't have any beliefs whatsoever, then they might be cold hearted or unopen the things around them.

Hang on, wait, you mean upset that people don't see atheism as a religion? I've met many atheists in my life who'd prefer to not be thought of as religious, but not one who'd prefer it if they were. What atheists as a group tend to object to is this idea that not having any religious belief means that you're more inclined to be cold-hearted.

[OMFG!You'reActuallySmart!]

Originally Posted by x.Psychic Crisis.x

Hm, I see your point, but this is how I see it -
Religions involve a few things: beliefs, sacred texts (eg the Bible), rituals (like prayer), ceremonies (like Baptism), sacred spaces (eg a synagogue), and a worldview.
Can you honestly say that atheism has any of those?
People of a certain religion are drawn together by their faith in that religion. The only thing drawing atheists together, in my opinion at least, is their lack of religion.

Atheists are drawn together by faith also, however, it's not theistic faith but atheistic faith. As for your question, atheism does have a belief (can extend to make it plural also) and does have a worldview (i.e. no god is responsible for events).

[CoffeeAddict]

Originally Posted by DanielR

Atheism is not a religion. Being Atheist means you DON'T believe in religions.
So, I voted no.

Bingo! That's why I voted no.

[DragonRider]

"Saying atheism is a religion is like saying bald is a hair colour." - Mark Twain

Atheism is a belief and a belief does not have to be a religion. It also seems that every dictionary I look at defines religion as the worship of or devotion to a higher being or supernatural power.

"The organised belief in or worhip of a god or gods." - Penguin English Dictionary
"Belief in, worship of or obedience to a supernatural power or powers considered to be divine or to have control over human destiny." - Collins Concise Dictionary
"The belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, especially a personal God or gods." - Oxford English Dictionary

This suggests that atheism is the opposite of religion.

[Xujhan]

Originally Posted by DragonRider

"Saying atheism is a religion is like saying bald is a hair colour." - Mark Twain

Can always count on Mark Twain for a little humorous insight. Thanks for the quote, it definitely made my day.

[Storyteller.]

Originally Posted by Xujhan

Can always count on Mark Twain for a little humorous insight. Thanks for the quote, it definitely made my day.

Agreed. I couldn't help but laugh at that quote.

[Penguin Queen]

I don't personally see it as one. All atheists have in common is a belief there is no god. Although many atheists share other beliefs (e.g. evolution) not all do, and its certainly not a requirement.

[wolfsvalentine]

I'm an atheist myself. And I guess I'd have to say no, it's not a religion. Atheism is a set of beliefs- well, actively disbelieving in the existence of god(s). And isn't religion the set of beliefs relating to your deity of choice? Atheism is the purposeful act of denying religion.

[Algernon]

Originally Posted by !!!YOU'RE$NUCKING$FUTZ!!!

Not all atheists believe in scientific theories but many do, so I'd hardly say that accepting scientific theories is a requirement for atheism.



Huh? Are you actually serious? It could be the more sensible thing that they do not consider themselves religious and hence would not want to be incorrectly labeled, especially if they are against religion. What does having religious or spiritual beliefs have anything to do with being open? I know many Christians, who by definition are spiritual or religious yet mention the word "evolution" and they are more resistant and closed-up than a brick wall. But that shouldn't happen, now should it?

It may come as a surprise but atheists do have beliefs, they do have morals, they do have ethics and here comes the kicker, they can be spiritual yet atheistic.

Why do I recognize this so much as reverting back to Mosh4Jesus?

Ah, I still am Mosh4Jesus babe, don't forget that. =) Just because someone has a different name doesn't make them a different person.

The poll doesn't lie. Everyone has beliefs. If you had religious beliefs than being an atheists would be a total contradiction. Atheists do not have religious beliefs. Therefore It's not a religion.

[hopefaithlove]

Just a friendly reminder for everyone to stay on topic and be respectful to one another.