Do you think Atheism is a religion?

Question

I think Atheism is a relgion because you have to basically believe that there is no god, and there is no to know that. They have to have faith that there is no god, and thats why I think it's a relgion. I just want other peoples opnions.

Answer 1

Not all atheists positively assert that "there is no god".

Most atheists "do not believe in any gods". Although that statement looks similar, there's an importance difference: it's not a positive assertion. It doesn't attempt to claim that reality is one way or another; it just says that the person in question has no beliefs regarding any gods.

It's much like your belief in the invisible unicorn that lives in your closet. "But," you say, "I don't believe there's any invisible unicorn in my closet".
Which is my point exactly - you don't have any serious or religious beliefs regarding the existance of the invisible unicorn in your closet, yet you still don't believe one is there.

Atheists consider the concept of a "god" to be on par with the concept of invisible unicorns; it's too ridiculous to take seriously, much less put any serious thought into whether or not one exists at all . Is it *possible* that gods/invisible unicorns exist? Sure, could be - you can't prove they don't. But who cares? It's still a ridiculous concept that's not even worth justifying with a belief either way.

Answer 2

Religion: a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith
Atheism: a disbelief in the existence of deity

It seems obvious that a disbelief is not a belief - or in other terms, that atheism is rather the absence of the belief in a cause or principle, belief that can generate a religion. A religion is not the belief in a god, is the codification of such a belief in a formal adoration.

Answer: NO.

Answer 3

Nope this is the definition of religion

1 Belief in and reverence for a supernatural power or powers regarded as creator and governor of the universe.
2 A personal or institutionalized system grounded in such belief and worship.
3 The life or condition of a person in a religious order.
4 A set of beliefs, values, and practices based on the teachings of a spiritual leader.
5 A cause, principle, or activity pursued with zeal or conscientious devotion.

I just don't see how atheism fits any of these.

Answer 4

Any rigid, unquestioned, closed approach to life or a specific area can be made into a religious approach. My friend is so religious in his atheism that I realize that I feel like I'm talking to a fundamentalist at times. And it's NOT because he doesn't believe in god; that does NOT define a religion (that's like saying that those who don't believe in Santa Clause still believe in the non-Santa Clause religion). It's because he's rigid and doesn't question and doesn't come with an open mind to each situation and let the situation tell him. It's EXACTLY like a fundamentalist christian or muslim where they can NEVER question their beliefs -- ask them to doubt the bible or koran and they won't ever. That's RIGID.

Answer 5

I think Atheism is a way of thinking, not a religion wich suppose to have faith in something, or someone. Atheism believes in "non-God", or to believe in nothing can not be considered a religion.

Answer 6

I don't consider it a religion because I feel to be part of a religon you must believe in something. Atheists believe in nothing and that there is nothing. Also I think you do have a point but have you actually talked to one. Must of the ones I have met use to be Christian or some thing. Things went from bad to worse, prayed more got worse, then just up and desided that there is no God.

Answer 7

Atheism is the LACK of a belief in a God. It comes in two flavours, strong and weak. Strong atheism is held by those who have heard yet discounted the "God" theory. Weak atheism is held by those who have never even heard of "God". Neither has the ceremonial organisation that characterises a religion.

Answer 8

A religion is nothing more than a series of beliefs that you hold "religiously," or with conviction, but without adequate proof. Therefore Atheism meets the definition, as does Christianity (any stripe), Islam, Wicca, or any else.

Answer 9

i think atheism is more of a belief rather than a religion. They dont believe in religion or worshipping a god or that there even is one therefore i think its more of the faith or belief you have that there is no god.

Answer 10

It isn't a religion. By definition. Religion doesn't mean unsubstantiated belief (which atheism isn't anyway, but for the purposes of the question, I shall grant the "atheists must have faith" carnard).