If Atheism is the belief that there is no God- and that is the foundation of their belief, then is Atheism considered a religion since religions usually have a belief in a divine power? Or is the term religion here implied to mean a belief in anything, and not just a divinity?
2007-07-16 17:01:11 · 19 answers · asked by dollycritter 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Technically because Atheists do not believe in a divine power (whatever you may call it) they are not a religion or a belief system. They aren't a religion because they aren't organised as such and it isn't a belief system because they don't actually believe.
2007-07-16 17:06:11 · answer #1 · answered by Taliesin Pen Beirdd 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That sounds like a deeply personal philosophical question, and I suspect there's no agreed upon answer.
I don't think anyone can tell you how to group and sort the world around you, and even if they could, I don't think they should.
If it makes it easier for you to think atheism is a religion, then I guess it's a religion.
If you're interested in whether atheists think it's a religion, the majority don't, so I guess it's not a religion.
Then again, the majority of non-atheists seem to think it's a religion...
you get the idea.
That said, saying that "atheism is the belief that there is no God" before you ask your question is loading the dice a little. I suspect the answer you want is "atheism is a religion" from that.
2007-07-17 10:37:28 · answer #2 · answered by Just Jess 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Atheism is definitely not a religion.
A religion requires the need to believe in something. Atheism is a lack of belief.
A religion usually also has methods or rules etc. that people follow. Atheists do not have any common rules or methods. The only thing they have in common for certain is a lack of belief in any god.
2007-07-17 00:08:42 · answer #3 · answered by SonoranDesertGirl 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
a·the·ism /ËeɪθiËɪzÉm/ (ey-thee-iz-uhm)
1. the doctrine or belief that there is no God.
2. disbelief in the existence of a supreme being or beings.
re·li·gion (rÄ-lÄj'Én) Pronunciation Key
1)a.Belief in and reverence for a supernatural power or powers regarded as creator and governor of the universe.
1)b.A personal or institutionalized system grounded in such belief and worship.
2)The life or condition of a person in a religious order.
3)A set of beliefs, values, and practices based on the teachings of a spiritual leader.
4)A cause, principle, or activity pursued with zeal or conscientious devotion.
Since Atheism doesn't believe in no supreme being(which would be religion) Atheism is a belief system, as it is explained in the dictionary. Good question, and hope your your question is answered.
2007-07-17 00:20:11 · answer #4 · answered by DragonHeart 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"is Atheism considered a religion since religions usually have a belief in a divine power?"
What? Atheism = no belief in a divine power
2007-07-17 00:04:05 · answer #5 · answered by James 5 · 2⤊ 2⤋
religions are actually NOT about belief; they are about connection with spirituality. Organized religion is a perverison of religion, that relies upon belief in dogma as a mind control scheme.
Whether an atheist considers Atheism their religion depends on their interpretation; they may see the debate itself as their spiritual connection - or not.
2007-07-17 00:06:18 · answer #6 · answered by kent_shakespear 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, according to the Merriam-Webster On line dictionary, no.
A religion is a supernatural constraint. The worship an/or service to God or the supernatural.
So Atheism would be a belief, but not a religion.
best wishes.
2007-07-17 00:07:02 · answer #7 · answered by Odindmar 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I know all of the Atheists are going to give me a thumbs down, but religion is: a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, esp. when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs. (Dictionary.com)
1. A set of beliefs concerning the cause of Nature - there is no God.
2. and purpose of the universe,- we are humans, evolution, we live and evolve
3. esp. when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies - in the atheist case, there is no God, so this is like the Big Bang theory
4. usually involving devotional and ritual observances - their ritual is to not have rituals (and on Y!A to ridicule other religions for some of them)
5. and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs. - Atheists can be moral and most times are...
Atheism is a RELIGION...
2007-07-17 00:12:49 · answer #8 · answered by mrb1017 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
No, atheism is the LACK of belief in God.
Antitheism is a belief in no god.
2007-07-17 00:04:09 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 0⤋
Atheism isn't a religion, it's a belief system....one that has no beliefs in a high power...
2007-07-17 00:03:57 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 1⤋