Are Buddhism/Jainism atheist religions?

Question

I know that Jainism believes in no God. It has a belief that the world always existed, and always will. But we do have 24 tirthankaras (like gurus) we follow the teachings of. Some however, accept them as God. So are the religions atheist? Does following either still make athiests feel that we are being irrational to follow their teachings?

Answer 1

No. Just because one doesn't believe in "god" doesn't mean that they don't believe in something.

Answer 2

By the literal meaning of the word "atheist" that just means "without God", yes, here is a link about the ethymology of the word:

http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?search=atheist&searchmode=none

However the word is mostly used to describe people who don't believe in God and also don't believe in any religion. Sometimes the ethymology and common usage of a word don't match.

And yes, as a "true" atheist (I mean someone who doesn't believe in God and not in any religion) I think it is irrational that you follow your tirthankaras, but I don't mean to degrade your faith. Even I can't explain everything I believe in rationally. I mean as a person who doesn't believe in a specific belief system I still have moral concepts I believe in and there are various people who have influenced my thinking, and I can't always explain everything in mathematic or scientific logic.

Many atheists consider themselves as smarter as religious people because they say religious people were irrational and they themselves were the super rationalists, but I think that this is an arrogant attitude.

Answer 3

It's my understanding that certain sects believe in gods and spirits but it's less about worshipping these as creators and more about using them for guidance.

I study buddhist philosophy but don't believe in gods

Answer 4

For Buddhism, if you are talking about heavenly beings (sometimes call gods or devas), then we believe in it. But if you are refering to a creator God, then no.