Does Atheism prevent people from falling into any kind of sect?

Question

Very interesting replies... Thx...

Even the concept of "Atheism" may be perverted & misused by some sects...

Answer 1

Atheism isn't, contrary to some of the answers, a sect. A sect is usually a subgrouping within another, larger group. Thus the Episcopalians are a sect of Christianity or the Sunnis are a sect of Islam. Atheism is a general term for lacking a belief in gods. It's not a sect of another, larger group.
Atheism does have different groups within it, though they are not really sects. You have your "Strong" or "Positive" atheists who say they know there are no gods. Then you have your "Weak" or "Negative" atheist who say that they don't believe in any gods. But to be a sect there should be different sets of dogma and rituals. Atheism has no rites or rituals, no ceremonies, not elaborate dogma. Just the lack of belief in gods and, for some, the assertion that there are no gods.
Atheists are just as prone as anyone else to form cliques and we are probably even more prone than most to argue the finer points of things. But we don't have sects.
You won't find sectarian violence among atheists. Those who claim there's no god and those who don't believe in any gods don't kill each other the way protestants and catholics or shiites and sunnis do. That's a positive.

Answer 2

SECT
1 a : a dissenting or schismatic religious body; especially : one regarded as extreme or heretical b : a religious denomination
2 archaic : SEX 1
3 a : a group adhering to a distinctive doctrine or to a leader

Since the word sect most generally applies to a schism in religious belief, and by definition atheists don't have religious beliefs, on the surface, the answer to your question is yes. In general I would propose that the more credulous and gullible you are, the more likely you are to have other outrageous or odd beliefs.

I think the temptation amongst religious types is to lump all "atheists" together into a pigeon hole,(atheist=immoral, evil) which is incorrect, as we are quite a diverse group. We all arrive at atheism for different reasons.

Atheism is a philosphy, a point of view, but it is not a "sect" as some of the above have labelled it.

Answer 3

You mean other than atheism? Or communism? Communism is certainly a sect--a "religion" in the truest sense of the word, with its own morality. It insists on conquering others through force. Does atheism, a rejection of the opiate of the masses (or more accurately, a replacement) keep us from falling into that sect?

By the way, atheism is a philosophy, not a form of spirituality (which it denies). You will find the philosophy section under arts and humanties, up top of the category list. Feel free to post all of your atheism questions where they belong instead of provoking all of the superstitious people into a frenzy.

But...just for fun, ask yourself this question...would not agnosticism keep people from falling into any kind of sect?
That would mean admitting to oneself that one does not know, entirely, what the spiritual reality is or is not.

Answer 4

There aren't sects of Atheism. Atheists are mostly individuals with individual beliefs and lives, and the title of Atheist is about all that relates them to each other. There isn't a set of codes or a leader. There are organizations that some Atheists may belong to, but not really "sects."

Answer 5

The idea with Atheism is that Atheists still have an interest in religion. they may be against religion but they still have an interest. so atheism could move over to another sect or branch or what ever.
I am not against religion. i just do not have an interest in religion.
I see no value in it . I do not need a superior or god like character to guide me through life telling what is right from wrong. or helping me through troubled times. I seek the truth in my self and hope others do the same.
All humans know what is right and wrong. you do not need a religous beleif to learn about goodness. it is whether they choose to do the right thing or the wrong thing. it is all about having the integrity.and nothing whatsover to do with religion

Answer 6

Sect -

1. A group of people forming a distinct unit within a larger group by virtue of certain refinements or distinctions of belief or practice.
2. A religious body, especially one that has separated from a larger denomination.
3. A faction united by common interests or beliefs.

No. And no offense, but atheism doesn't prevent anyone from doing anything. People prevent people as well as themselves.

Answer 7

No. Atheism is in fact a sect or a calling

Deism does. (which is the belief in god but not organized religion in any form) - by definition cannot fall into a sect

Answer 8

Sure, if you have no belief in God or similar then eventually its possible or form a set of beliefs that ends you up in a sect or maybe even a cult. What is there to ground you and help you realize you need to go in a different direction with your life if you're an Atheist?

Answer 9

Atheism is a sect of its own kind, and people choose to fall into a sect. It's not forced upon them by their religion or lack of it.

Answer 10

I would not think so. I have met many Marines who are Atheism, that being said, being a soldier could be considered a sect. A warrior class of our society. Soldiers live by a different code than those that are not.