Why can't people just say that atheism is a religion?

Question

It's not offensive to say that it is. It's simply just how you live. Isn't that a religion? What's so bad about saying that atheism is a religion?

Answer 1

Religion is a set of beliefs combined with a way of life.

Atheism is just this: there is no god.

Everything else is negotiable, so atheism is not a religion. It contains no moral code. It does not tell a myth (in the anthropological definition, not the popular definition of an untrue story) that relates man, the universe, and the gods or goddesses.

So no, atheism is not a religion.

Answer 2

It's not a religion. It's a belief system. They are not little parrots of their indoctrination. They are free-thinkers and don't participate in rituals or preach on the corners. They rely on their inate moral codes, and tend to be more decent and moral, consequently. They pretty much don't give a **** about anyone's salvation, and aren't led by fear of the unknown; so this makes them much more likeable and less judgmental. They also spend more time in personal growth and worthy causes. I'm agnostic, but athiests and agnostics seem to respect each other more than religious people do. Athiests are sure there's no God; I leave the question open. Most, if not all non-religious types believe that religions are abusive and oppressive. They don't need to hold weekly meetings or collect offerings to keep their beliefs. They also don't have a manual on how to live life; much less, one that needs a consensus interpretation.

Answer 3

Atheists don't have a dogma, a god, any figure head... Atheism is strictly a descriptive term for the lack of belief in a god or gods. This is the only unifying attribute of atheists. It is not a religion, it's not even a world view. Yes, many atheists agree on certain things, but many disagree as well.

Atheism is not a religion. it's quite the opposite.

Answer 4

Athiesim is the abscence of religion
So yes that is justified in saying that, Atheism is not a way of life, it is the thought that there is no god, no creator, no heaven or hell, the abscence of religious thought or organized religion. And to say you would like Atheisim to be thought of as a religion is very contradictory, it does'nt make sense. Don't let the "isim" fool, this just represents a thought or idea.

Answer 5

I don't think Atheists would approve of folks calling it a religion.
Religion is not "just how you live." That is Secularism.

Religion means community. A community that comes together united by their beliefs. Most folks tack on the word "organized" before religion. Meaning these folks come together under their belief system as spelled out by their various church leaders.

Are there Atheist communities? Do Atheists get together to decide what is right and what is wrong?

Answer 6

If Atheism is a religion, then NOT collecting stamps is a hobby

Answer 7

so what's diffrence in what we live we live in the presence of existance that's all ie matters atheism pagan rc budda atom are vibrating the same in unconditional love religion is the thing of past for some ppl

Answer 8

It isn't a religion, well not in the UK anyway. Otherwise on my documents it would say "Atheist" but all it says is "None". That's what it says for unbaptised people here.

Answer 9

How can not having a religion be a religion? It doesn't make sense.

Answer 10

Its like this. NO one can prove that God exists or doesnt' exist. Either way, it's an act of faith to state your belief. So yes, in a way atheism is a religion.