Religion:
Quote:
1.a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, esp. when considered as the creation of a superhumanagency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conductof human affairs.
2.a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects: the Christian religion; the Buddhist religion.
3.the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices: a world council of religions.
4.the life or state of a monk, nun, etc.: to enter religion.
5.the practice of religious beliefs; ritual observance of faith.
6.something one believes in and follows devotedly; a point or matter of ethics or conscience: to make a religion of fighting prejudice.
7.religions, Archaic. religious rites.
8.Archaic. strict faithfulness; devotion: a religion to one's vow
|
Atheism:
Quote:
1.the doctrine or belief that there is no God.
2.disbelief in the existence of a supreme being or beings.
|
Consider the above definitions.
Is atheism: a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature and purpose of the universe?
Nope. Atheists have many and varied views as to the cause, nature and purpose of the universe - there is no uniform belief for them.
Is atheism a specific fundamental set of beliefs agreed on by a large amount of people?
In a sense, yes, they all believe in the lack of deities. But this is just
one belief, not a set thereof.
Is atheism a body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practises?
No. The only belief any randomly picked atheists are likely to have in common is that they
don't adhere to a particular set of beliefs and practises.
Is atheism a way of life?
No. I have never heard of a group of atheists going to live together or immerse themselves in deep study to become more atheistic or go through some ceremony to be considered a "true" atheist.
Is atheism a practise of religious beliefs?
Most definitely not, as atheism is the lack of religious beliefs therefore there is nothing to practise.
Is it something a person may believe in and follow devotedly?
As there are no prescribed deities for an atheist, it would be hard for them to believe and follow devotedly. However an atheist may be very devoted about their lack of belief.
Please note: atheists (individually) may comfortably fit into either of the archaic definitions of the word "religion", however it would be difficult to put them there as a group.
Also, atheists do not have cause to "believe", when they can know. A scientific experiment is repeatable and gives approximately the same results every time, and is therefore empirical evidence. Empirical evidence does not require belief as it is proof.
To get an atheist to change their mind about something, you do not get them to "believe" in it. You prove it to them using scientific ways and means.
I personally do not consider atheism to fit within the definition of religion as it is a lack of religion and belief.
Personal opinions may differ of course and you are free to refer to it as a religion.
However I think I made the case pretty clear for it not being one, even if I borrowed my definitions from dictionary online
