question for everyone.....?

Question

many people on here, i've noticed, seem to refer to atheism as a relegion.

do you think it is? (im just looking for a yes or no and a breif explenation.)

thank you for your answers!! :) :)

Answer 1

Definitions of religion:
1. Belief in and reverence for a supernatural power or powers regarded as creator and governor of the universe.
2. A personal or institutionalized system grounded in such belief and worship.
3. A set of beliefs, values, and practices based on the teachings of a spiritual leader.

So NO

Answer 2

Atheism is NOT a religion. It is not a "belief" in the religous sense.

In the strict, rigorous sense, most serious logicians (and most serious atheists tend to be serious about their logic) assert that no one can ever absolutely KNOW the truth about anything. But that being established, the atheist confidently asserts that despite the inability of anything towards absolute knowledge, the likelyhoold of anything supernatural is "vanishingly small." That is, there is no good reason to believe in god (or ghosts, or goblins, or miracles, or transubstantiation, etc).

To add to this logic, the atheist also confidently asserts that the burden of proof is on the believer. If the believer can offer empirical proof, the atheist is likely willing to change his or her mind. But in the absence of such proof, the atheist is right to not believe.

Answer 3

i think that atheism could be classified as a religion because it techinically has a doctrine of a belief that everyone who is atheist follows and that is to deny the existance of a supreme being. Because there is that doctrine i would say yes to it being a religion.

Answer 4

Hi Redneck Rachel!!!

I think religion is a belief, not necessarily a belief in god. So yes I do consider Atheism to be a religion.

If you go to http://en.wikipedia.org/ I think it talks about Atheism as a religion.

Answer 5

Unless it is an organized form of worship, it is not a religion. This does not mean that atheists are lacking in spirituality. Buddhism is profoundly spiritual yet does not stress the belief in god or the soul.

Answer 6

No. It is not organized, they do not hold services and most importantly they do not believe in God. There are some very overzealous atheists but that can be said about anybody. Most of the atheists I know are very rational and do not even mention that they are atheists. It is frowned on in American society which I think is ridiculous given that it's 2007.
Me: Buddhist married to an atheist

Answer 7

Atheism isn't a religion since there is nothing to believe in.

Answer 8

Thank you very much there, Oy vey, for pointing out this obvious paradox! While atheists claim not to be religious, and deny the existence of God, their vehemence in disclaiming that existence (and ridiculing those who don't) only indicates their fear, and their respect...and that is the first prerequisite for belief in what they claim to be non-existent.
My answer, as you requested, is: yes or no. lol!

Answer 9

They don't like to call it a religion. But they are organized on a national level, hold annual conventions and seek to have a non profit status to not have to pay taxes. I think that's why a lot of people equate them with another 'religion'.

Answer 10

No. Religions have a set of rules or doctrines or dogmas (or whatever you want to call it) to follow. Atheists have nothing of the sort. No holy book, no churches, or temples, and no leader! Plus the only thing that ALL atheists have in common is that they do not believe in god.