Believing in nothing is equal to believing in Something.
2007-03-15 06:50:02 · 20 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It really depends on which definition you use. If you are referring to a system of beliefs, then it is a religion. If you go with the belief or worship of a sumpreme being, then no, it's not.
2007-03-15 08:50:18 · answer #1 · answered by seattlefan74 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If Atheism were not a religion, why would so many self-described atheists be posting to clearly religious based questions? (not necessarily this one)
Actions define words. "cool" did not always mean "great" Those who take an active part in spreading their belief are religious by their actions no matter what they may claim.
The truly non-theists and agnostics turn a blind eye to other religions because they simply take no interest.
A person who has a total lack of religion would coexist with a religious zealot without comment, looking on the religion of his companion as just a funny hobby or quirk.
So those self proclaimed Atheists who argue, fight and express a belligerent attitude at your question are really just venting their frustrations because they have been called out.
Do not let them berate you or get under your skin. You are correct. Believing in nothing is as much a religion is believing in something.
A final point is that not believing in God is not the same thing as believing that there is no God. The former is Agnostic, the latter is Atheistic. The former is areligious, the latter is religious.
2007-03-15 14:49:49 · answer #2 · answered by sparc77 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Religion is generally defined as having an associated organization in modern parlance. Even if the religionist is unaffiliated with the community on paper, he associates with the body.
That would make most atheists areligious.
Atheism is a belief, but beliefs are not religions by default. It's a religious belief, a spiritual belief, a belief about religion and spirituality, but not a religion as generally defined.
2007-03-15 13:57:16 · answer #3 · answered by LabGrrl 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Here it is right from the dictionary:
Something one believes in and follows devotedly; a point or matter of ethics or conscience...
Atheism is a religion.... Jim
2007-03-15 14:21:46 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
But having no belief is not equal to believing in nothing.
2007-03-15 13:53:06 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 7⤊ 0⤋
A religion is when believe in a higher power, or a god. Atheists like myself DON'T believe in a higher power or god, therefore we AREN'T religious.
This is a stupid question. Look up the definition in a dictionary next time.
2007-03-15 14:00:45 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Religion tends to shape the world view of the people who follow it.
People with certain world views tend to (when pushed by religious types) categorize themselves as atheist.
Do you see the difference? You won't understand until you do.
2007-03-15 13:58:03 · answer #7 · answered by The angels have the phone box. 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, it's not. Think of it this way, would you say that not believing in unicorns is a religion? I didn't think so. Not believing in God is no more a religion than not believing in unicorns.
2007-03-15 13:54:18 · answer #8 · answered by Jess H 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I do believe in something.I just don't believe in a god or gods.Atheism is a state of mind not a religious belief or non belief
2007-03-15 13:54:40 · answer #9 · answered by rosbif 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Atheism is not a religion it is a lack thereof.
2007-03-15 13:58:46 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋