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Would this definition consider vegetarianism a religion?

Is not believing aliens made our universe a religion?

2007-10-18 04:29:09 · 25 answers · asked by Eleventy 6 in Society & Culture Religion & Spirituality

Catholic Crusader, that's both a circular definitions and not applicable to atheism.

2007-10-18 04:35:43 · update #1

25 answers

there isn't one - Atheism is not a religion it is a personal philosophy, that is why we are so resolute, it is personal.
Religion is not personal, it is an organisation with members headed by a council/Papacy and the followers do what they are told. They are told; how to pray - what to pray - when to pray - what to believe - what they are not to believe - they are told what to read - what not to read - but mostly they are taught to segregate themselves from those that do not follow their organisation, this breeds friction. Atheism is not like these organisations in any way and cannot be defined as a religion.

2007-10-18 04:41:31 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3 0

If the definition of religion includes ritual, then atheism will be excluded, since there's no standardized practices among atheists, even any standardized discussions.

So the only definition would include beliefs. Here's the one I've made up in response to your question:

RELIGION: A set of beliefs regarding the supernatural, in particular a god or gods (spiritual higher powers), that defines the characteristics of the god, describes the relationship between the god and the believer, and often indicates particular behaviors that will enhance or harm the believer's relationship with the god, other believers, and those outside the community of believers.

^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^

2007-10-18 12:35:31 · answer #2 · answered by NHBaritone 7 · 1 1

The definition of religion doesn't apply to Atheism at all... But the Gov't is starting to list it under the category of "Religion" in order to be able to cover for it under our "Freedom of Religion" Constitutional Right. The reason being is that in the military and I've heard of a case (yes, a single case) of it in prison where Atheists would like to be able to meet together in the same way Religious people do, though for different reasons. I can agree with it being listed under Religion for that reason. But again, the definition of Religion doesn't apply to Atheism at all.

2007-10-18 11:47:13 · answer #3 · answered by River 5 · 0 0

Usually when you see theists claiming atheism is a religion they define religion as "A cause, principle, or activity pursued with zeal or conscientious devotion." Of course this definition doesn't really fit atheism, and it's a very obscure meaning of the word religion.
You'll also notice they only ever give one definition. Which suggests they all have extremely poor dictionaries, or they're being intellectually dishonest.

2007-10-18 11:39:04 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1 0

Since most religions require that non-adherents be converted, atheism is, essentially, very important to such religions (without non-believers, what would happen to missionaries? crusades? those guys at the airport?). ;)

Vegetarianism is a lifestyle, not a religion, although there are a few people in California who would probably say otherwise! ;)

As for your "aliens" question, I didn't understand it, but that doesn't mean I won't respect your right to confuse me! ;)

2007-10-18 11:35:48 · answer #5 · answered by skaizun 6 · 1 0

All Atheism is, is a lack of belief in deities. It is not a religion any more than deciding to not eat meat is one. CC is quite correct in the definition. Religion is one thing and one thing only.

People who insist on calling anything and everything a 'religion' are simply people who cannot function themselves without one and so are incapable of imagining that anyone else can.

2007-10-18 11:45:24 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1 0

it's a very confuse question...

but: "Atheism" for definition is a philosophical view, is the position that either affirms the nonexistence of gods; atheism is the absence of belief in deities.

Even if you're Vegetarian and you consider "Nature" as a god, then... you're not an Atheist.

So Although many self-described atheists tend toward secular philosophies such as humanism and naturalism, there is no one ideology or set of behaviors to which all atheists adhere.

2007-10-18 11:34:07 · answer #7 · answered by Aredhel 2 · 0 0

The definition of an atheist is Someone who denies the existence of god. for one to have a religion one must believe in a higher power. Religion=A strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny;

2007-10-18 11:37:44 · answer #8 · answered by mariposa 3 · 0 0

Religion is an attempt to explain spirituality and give it structure.

As an atheist, I believe I have a certain level of spirituality, but believe it comes from explainable, physical occurrences, like chemicals in the brain etc..

Not sure if you would call this belief a religion, but it does try to explain spirituality and give it structure..

2007-10-18 11:35:32 · answer #9 · answered by ɹɐǝɟsuɐs Blessed Cheese Maker 7 · 0 0

Unitarian Universalist:

Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religion that encompasses many faith traditions. Unitarian Universalists include people who identify as Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus, Pagans, Atheists, Agnostics, Humanists, and others. As there is no official Unitarian Universalist creed, Unitarian Universalists are free to search for truth on many paths.

2007-10-18 12:07:38 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0 1

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