Why is Atheism not considered a religion? Look at this definition of religion?

Question

Religion- a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith
http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/netdict?Religion

You hold some sort of beliefs that lead you to not believe in God. There must be a reason for not believing. To say there are no reasons is plain ignorance.

So, to make it clear. My question is not why you believe there is no god, but why is atheism not a "religion?" By this definition it is not as if you need a god. But Richard Dawkins could be your mentor?

My point is that so many atheists here make it a big deal to label atheism as a religion. Like it is a curse or something. Or like you have to believe in a god to have a religion. That is nonsense. Going by this definition, atheism could be considered a religion. It is just not organized.

Some of you miss the point or are in denial.

Religion does not require a deity if you base it on this definition. I already said that.

Answer 1

well, you got the definition correct, thats for sure.

The tricky part, when it comes to atheism, is the SYSTEM of beliefs. An entire structure is necessary for something to be deemed a religion. Atheism refutes the existence of a god, but does not replace that with any organized, or universal, system.

Many atheists cite science to back up their atheism, but of course scientists can be of any religious background.

Hopefully this makes it a little clearer.

Answer 2

I think you make a very excellent point!

I took a theology class in college years back...We learned a scientific nomenclature (of sorts) that classified your religious beliefs....based on your system of beliefs and definitions you have to go research/investigate "your belief system". You had to write a sizable paper and then present to the class. It was a real growth experience and really helped me define my life. Everyone having the same format to follow ...put us on equal ground. No one had anything critical to say of the other because of the nature of how it was done. It couldn't be an exercise in bullcrap...you had to own it.

There were seven major defining steps and the individual investigative research further defined it. I thought I was the only person to think the way I did....I always thought I was some kind of a composite of Protestant-based doctrine. I learned my way of thinking came about in the 1500's and was of Dutch and German origin and a doctrine that was defined as I sense it. (it was Christian-based)

The "Hallmark" of my faith has to do with a definition related to the catagory of "Leap of Faith" (one of the seven catagories).

Simply put...I see myself as a mere grain of sand on a beach that goes for eternity. I don't put myself into the space of questioning God, Who, why or how He makes it happen or evolve...in other words: I don't have to have all the answers. I never demand or expect them. I can operate on the strength of my faith. My "leap of faith" is "immediate". As a speck, I will be provided with all that I need or have to work with...to fully trust that.

I also believe whatever level you function at (moron to genius) you know what is "wrong or right" and you should pick "right" ...to the best of your total insight. Even if you are wrong...you are doing what you know in your life experience and "sense of heart" to be right. Basically you end up striving "to do the right thing". Life is a series of choices...the more sophisticated and educated you are the more complex and responsible you have to be. It promotes commitment, growth and responsiblity. Mistakes are opportunities to correct and do better the next time.

(a curious side-bar)
....both my parents were Atheists. You mention a "plain ignorance" ... I felt "a sense of arrogance" from them both. The ignorance I can understand...the arrogance /hubris just really sets my nasal hairs twitching. I don't routinely go to church...but feel I have a very intense belief system.

Thanks for the opportunity to share. Have to look up richard Dawkins

Answer 3

Even based on that definition, atheism is not a religion. Atheists do not hold onto non-belief in God with ardor. Atheists are simply people who don't believe OTHER people's stories of magical, invisible, supernatural beings. It's that simple.
Atheism is no more a religion than NOT collecting stamps is a hobby.

Answer 4

I see the point you're trying to make but I think you are grasping at straws.

You are correct, I think most atheists would rather you didn't refer to them as 'religious'.

That's because the common understanding of that word involves a belief in a deity, which you must agree, atheists do not subscribe to.

The link you posted showed four definitions for "Religion" and you picked the fourth, the most obscure of the bunch. If we're talking about common language, then 'religious' does not really apply to atheists.

Answer 5

Hmmm ....... why atheism is not a religion ..... maybe because there is no one religious set of rules to believe in? Other then the fact all atheist disbelieve in imaginary supreme creature, there are no common things between them.

Notice all your definitions requires a zealous religious set of rules. Atheists are not zealous, as long as you can provide credible proof of god, they will switch sides, but as long as there are no proof, why should we be praying to an imagination?

Richard Dawkins is an atheist does not mean I have to agree with him either. Being an atheist does not need a figure head as religion did.

Answer 6

I don't think many atheists hold their beliefs with "ardor and faith."

You're basically saying that anyone who has any kinds of beliefs is following a religion aren't you? That would make almost everything a religion.

Are you saying that because you do not believe in faeries it is a religious belief?

I think it would make the word "religion" meaningless.

Answer 7

I agree that none of them are religions. I disagree approximately theism and atheism being philosophies even with the undeniable fact that, they are merely labels for perception/disbelief in god(s). i think of deism may well be considered to be a philosophy relying on how that's defined.

Answer 8

atheism means without god belief, it is not a "system of beliefs" held to with ardor and "faith".

lack of a belief is not a system of beliefs

The reason atheism is not a religion is because it has no doctrine, no set of beliefs or system of adherence. It does not fit the definition of religion you chose.
I fail to understand why you want to try to convolute things to make it a "religion". What purpose does that serve you?

skeptic made an excellent point.

Answer 9

You lack belief in the existence of any goblins. Is that your religion?

You lack belief in the existence of Yoda, Gollum and Spider-Man. Are these three more religions you belong to?

A lack of belief in something is not "a system of beliefs".

You're a christian, right? it seems only they make this mistake.

Answer 10

Exodus 20:3

Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

In atheism, the belief in no God is a belief system. That system in itself is a God or religion. Believe it or not.