Is Atheism a religion?

The Pianist · 12-11-2006, 12:07 AM

In a sense it is the lack of religion but if you look at it really it is actually a type of religion that is anti-religious. In fact, its somewhat been organized to completely try to reverse religion if you will and there God can be seen as the person themselves. So is atheism a religion?

12-11-2006, 12:18 AM

I really don't consider it a religion, but just a belief. I mean for it to be called a religion it must have it's practices along with it's beliefs. What do Atheist's practice? Nothing. Therefore all you have left is an idea.

12-11-2006, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Pianist

and their God can be seen as the person themselves.

Actually, that would be more like Satanism. Athiests don't believe in any God, and while I suppose they could be honoring themselves (for lack of a better word), I think that's just more of a self-esteem, "my body is my temple" kind of thing? With satanism, they really DO worship themselves as gods.

Anyway, I suppose you could say that Atheism is a religion, since it is also "a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe". It just lacks the popular aspects of other religions (prayer, religious rituals, etc)

Patric~Boo · 12-11-2006, 09:59 AM

just to say if they dont have god in there faith how can it be a religion????

**Ristaron** · 12-11-2006, 09:59 AM

It has been discussed in great detail, though not on beasttoast. Atheism does have the hallmark of a religion, that being a common belief (in this case, disbelief in the existence of God (and gods)). But some people claim religion is also defined by rituals performed in organized groups (congregations in churches, for example), which atheism does not have specifically.
Yes, you have scientists regularly gathering to perform experiments, but not under the tense of atheists, rather as scientists. Whatever their personal beliefs, and regardless of how they led them to the profession, they are acting as scientists and not religious activists.

It all depends on how you define religion. If it's an organized system of similar beliefs, then yes. If it's as dictionary.com defines it:
"a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, esp. when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs." you are likely getting going to have more trouble proving it is.

Patric~Boo · 12-11-2006, 10:02 AM

as for church gatherings its called the mass for us when we gather but thats some intresting info you put up there dude

**mama** · 12-11-2006, 04:23 PM

atheism is the void of religion, like black is the void of colors

01-23-2007, 05:58 PM

Being athiest is not a religion.
The definition of a religion is simply this: Worshiping a higher being than yourself and giving revinence to a higher power/powers in control of the universe.
Athieism is denying that there is a higher power/powers. What do you worship? Nothing, who/what do you reveer? Nothing.
By pure definition, 'athiesm' is not a religion.

**Ristaron** · 01-23-2007, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A Will Conforme

Being athiest is not a religion.
The definition of a religion is simply this: Worshiping a higher being than yourself and giving revinence to a higher power/powers in control of the universe.
Athieism is denying that there is a higher power/powers. What do you worship? Nothing, who/what do you reveer? Nothing.
By pure definition, 'athiesm' is not a religion.

Thanks. I believe I find myself in agreement.

RATSOADM · 01-23-2007, 11:39 PM

Atheism is a Religion! if you ask someones religion they may say "Im athiest"