Why does everryone assume that just because someone is an Atheist, that they can't be religious in any way?

Question

I'm Muslim and for once I feel like my religion is not the most highly scrutinized religion because Atheism has taken the fall. Christians are constantly saying bad things about Atheists and how Atheism isn't a religion (Not all Christians but quite a few). If religion is "a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe" according to the dictionary, why do people not consider Atheism a religion which is what it is? Christians, have you not read your own bible that says, "Judge not lest ye be judged."?

EDIT: Buddhist do not believe in God, but Buddhism is a religion.... It's the same thing and some Atheists even are Buddhists.

EDIT: bcooper, if you didn't notice, I said "Some Christians, not all"...that's not stereotyping...Why are you complaining? Feeling guilty?

EDIT: Imogen, where at all in my question have I condemned your religion?

Answer 1

Before I start, I would encourage the reader to read all of this, lest they miss out on what I'm trying to say.

I agree that no man should judge one by race, creed or value. But I will go with the government in saying that atheists don't really need government funding. What would you use it for? An anti-church? I don't know, but that just sounds ridiculous. If you don't believe in a god, what use does a government sponsored building serve.

But don't get me wrong. I don't think religious organizations should get government money either. They can raise money on their own pretty easily. There are plenty of people left in the world who tithe and donate to the churches of America.

I believe an atheist can still be religious, but with the connotation or "religion," wouldn't having a religion, whose sole purpose is the worship of some deity(ies), negate the idea of atheism?

I would say atheism is more of a philosophy, like Buddhism or Confucianism.

But this is just my opinion, and you can take it anyway you like.

Answer 2

Obviously you have not read the bible either.
I laugh every time someone quotes the judge not line and they don't even list where it came from or in context.

Its from Luke 6. here it is in context as part of the beatitudes.

36Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
37Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
38Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

However the bible also says
1 Corinthians 6:3
Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?

Telling the truth about Atheism is NOT judgement, it is only the truth.
those who do not like the truth to be spread often use the "DO NOT JUDGE" quote because they don't like to hear the truth. or are ignorant of it.
I have more respect for a Muslim than an Atheist because they have a moral code and try to stick to it.
Atheism creates its own code and changes it to fit their desires rather than any morality.

Yes, i can Judge, and i am not afraid to Be Judged.
I will tell the truth despite the hatred of Atheists for all people of Faith.

Answer 3

And I applaud you !! . The Christians is a jealous religion , are narrowly minded taught by zealot leaders , just take a look at various ministries that large sums of money had been fleeced from the blind congregations , with promises of salvation for money and fear mongering , that have our all dear God some one to be feared of , and taught that any body else believe will terminate in hell , which is ludicrous , every body else accepts the Christians but not so other wise .

Answer 4

We aren't religious in any way. Here is the Wiki definition:
A religion is a set of beliefs and practices generally held by a human community, involving adherence to codified beliefs and rituals and study of ancestral or cultural traditions and mythology, as well as personal faith and mystic experience.

No practices
No codified beliefs
No rituals
No faith

It doesn't fit at all. All it means is we don't believe in myths.

Answer 5

Wow. This is like the 5th quetion in the last 10 minutes that states atheism is a religion.
Let me give you the Norbit example. I Do Not Believe that norbit was a good movie. Does that mean that I just invented norbitism.

Answer 6

I'm glad you think Atheism is taking some of the heat of muslims. as someone i'd like to think of as impartial, I feel very bad for muslims at the moment.
there is a certain pack mentality with big gangs of religion. bigotry and bullying and religion go hand in hand sometimes.

Answer 7

The definition of religion is not quite correct; to fix it, one would have to insert something about supernatural intervention. It is this latter which the atheist denies, so with a correct definition of religion, we see that an atheist is not religious.

Answer 8

Atheism is when someone believes in NO GOD>... which would mean its not a religion.

Answer 9

Atheism has nothing to do with the cause, nature or purpose of the universe. It relates only to the lack of belief in one or more gods.

Answer 10

Atheism is not a religion. It's the lack of religion.