Children are considered atheists because they lack the belief in any deity. They cant be agnostic because they cant question God(s). I was wondering how you consider Atheism as a religion. Lack of belief is not the same as believing!
2007-02-06 10:08:43 · 19 answers · asked by Maikeru 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I agree. Atheism is the lack of a belief in God. It is NOT a belief that there is no God. Therefore, children could be said to be atheists. Anyone who considers atheism to be a religion is misinformed.
Just curious if you got the idea for this question from George H. Smith's book, "Atheism: The Case Against God"? I believe he makes that very point in similar language towards the beginning of his book. Good book, that.
2007-02-06 10:31:03 · answer #1 · answered by Venin_Noir 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yep, you can be an Atheist (lack of god believe - i.e. not a religion) and yet be a Buddhist (part of a religion).
Religion implies doctrine and ritual of some sort. Atheism does not have these.
Where people get confused is how a lot of us are similar in a particular society. The Internet has helped that a lot. I think we talk to each other more than ever before (I know I don't know anyone else in real life).
2007-02-06 10:19:14 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The definition of "religion" is a belief of a higher being, a belief in a supreme being or higher power. Since atheism is a belief that none of these exist, it can not be called a "religion". Personally, I believe that if there really wasn't a GOD, then atheism would not exist, right? Think about it.
2016-05-24 00:55:20 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well when you're not a child you choose what you believe. Atheists choose to believe that God doesn't exist. That's not non-belief. That's the belief of non-existence. You're believing. Children don't have a religion until they grow up and decide what they believe. I don't consider them atheists or belonging to any kind of sect. Atheism is a religion because they have beliefs.
Religion - a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe
2007-02-06 10:20:33 · answer #4 · answered by Alien51 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Atheism is NOT a religion. It's a term that describes a person or persons who lack the belief in a deity... that is all.
Religion consists of 2 parts, a supernatural belief, and a dogmatic structure built around that belief.
Atheism has neither.
2007-02-06 10:16:36 · answer #5 · answered by ChooseRealityPLEASE 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Atheism is not a religion. Atheism is not a "lack" of belief in a diety. Atheism is an informed choice about what to believe.
2007-02-06 10:13:04 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
I agree with your statement "lack of belief is not the same thing as believing". This is why I don't consider atheism (or agnosticism) a religion.
2007-02-06 10:12:06 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 1⤋
Atheists want to call their lack of belief a religion bcoz it sounds more legitimate and authentic in an arguement or in the overall society. In other words it makes them feel more special!! lol
2007-02-06 10:30:49 · answer #8 · answered by Infamous 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I DON'T consider atheism a religion. Anyone who thinks that is ignorant.
2007-02-06 10:28:29 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Let's take a look at your original assumption, that atheism is a religion. There is very little reasonable support for that claim, and since the remainder of your question depends upon that condition being fulfilled, your question is meaningless.
2007-02-06 10:22:02 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋