Atheism is a religion! You can't prove that God doesn't exist. Therefore you are using faith.?

Question

I mean after all, if atheism isn't a religion, then why are you always in the religion category on here?

Answer 1

Okay, look at it this way ...
I'm a Christian, but I can still discuss Islam, Judaism, Wicca, Paganism, Buddhism, etc. It doesn't mean that I personally believe and follow all of those religions.

Atheism is a religious viewpoint, even though it doesn't fit the criteria to be a religion in and of itself (unless you wanna get nitpicky). Therefore, if atheists wish to discuss atheism, R&S is the place for them to do it.

Answer 2

Atheism does not require faith. Atheism is a lack of belief, not a belief system in itself. If you claim that God exists, the burden of proof is on you, not me. You only think this way because you are coming from an egocentric viewpoint that already assumes God exists. Treat the hypothesis of God's existence like any other hypothesis and you'll see that there is no data or evidence to support that hypothesis.

And I come to this section because I think how people answer existential questions gives a great insight into how they reason and explain their life. Judging from your question, you look for the simplest explanation possible.

Answer 3

Here is an exeprt of a dialogue:

"1) Let's take the T.A. in your physics class. What do you think he'd say about miracles?

2) He'd reject them.

1) And why?

2) He'd say they violate the laws of nature.

1) So his standard for testing belief in miracles is …

2) The laws of nature.

1) How does he test his standard?

2) I don't think he does test it. He said once in class that "nature is all there is." When I asked him how he knew, he said, "It just is."

1) So are the laws of nature his Highest Standard?

2) Yes.

1) Then that's where he places his faith.

2) I think he'd be surprised to hear himself described as a man of faith.

1) I'm sure he would.

2) But don't Christians believe in the laws of nature too?

1) Certainly we do, but they aren't our Highest Standard. The Creator is. If He made the laws of nature, He can suspend them."

Again:
2) The difference between philosophy and religion is that religion depends on faith but philosophy depends on reasoning.

1) That's just nonsense. Reasoning itself depends on faith.

2) How could that be?

1) Think. What do you do to construct a defense of reasoning?

2) You reason.

1) So you defend reasoning by reasoning?

2) Right.

1) Then your defense is circular. It proves that reasoning works only if you already know that reasoning works.

2) So reasoning can't justify reasoning!

1) Right. You have to accept reasoning by faith. The only question is the one you asked earlier — "Faith in what?"

Answer 4

(giggles)

Atheists don't believe in any supernatural deity. But some are naturalists, pagans and even Buddhists.

Theists believe in a god, but some are Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Jews and Zoroastrians.

Atheism is NOT a religion after all.

.

Answer 5

To me, religions are nothing more than myths and fables, and since it isn't discussed in that category, here I am.

Aside from which, I consider myself spiritual (as spirituality and religion are two entirely separate entities and only cross when the individual wishes it).

Answer 6

Theism is the belief in gods or deities. Atheism is the disbelief of gods or deities. Now let's look at religion:

re·li·gion

–noun 1. 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.
2. a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects: the Christian religion; the Buddhist religion.
3. the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices: a world council of religions.
4. the life or state of a monk, nun, etc.: to enter religion.
5. the practice of religious beliefs; ritual observance of faith.
6. something one believes in and follows devotedly; a point or matter of ethics or conscience: to make a religion of fighting prejudice.
7. religions, Archaic. religious rites.
8. Archaic. strict faithfulness; devotion: a religion to one's vow.
—Idiom9. get religion, Informal. a. to acquire a deep conviction of the validity of religious beliefs and practices.
b. to resolve to mend one's errant ways: The company got religion and stopped making dangerous products.
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[Origin: 1150–1200; ME religioun (< OF religion) < L religiōn- (s. of religiō) conscientiousness, piety, equiv. to relig(āre) to tie, fasten (re- re- + ligāre to bind, tie; cf. ligament) + -iōn- -ion; cf. rely]

As used in this question, atheism would not qualify as a religion, because of the overarching rejection of the existance of gods or deities.

You might be able to argue that evolution is a religion...but not atheism. Atheism is the antithesis of religion.

Answer 7

-Gulp-

You can't prove that Leprechauns don't exist. So why aren't you chasing rainbows for pots of Gold?

Too much time spent chasing Abrahamic Gods and manufacturing relationships with 2000 year old professed prophets to obtain eternal paradise and avoid eternal torture, by the same loving God?

Answer 8

You can't prove that the Magic Tea Kettle doesn't exist, therefore you are using faith.

Answer 9

If you're so convinced that atheism is a religion, then why are you asking why we're here?

Answer 10

Ok, I'll accept that atheism is a religion if you accept that Christianity (and all others religions) is a cult.