Is Atheism a religion?

Question

What do YOU think?

Answer 1

Is atheism a religion?

I don't feel many of the things usually felt by religious people (honestly I think they're lying anyway) so personally I don't see myself as religious.

I don't subscribe to any dogmatic views - if something pops up to change my world view I run with it.

I don't meet other atheists and listen to atheist testimonial given out by the grand atheist on the pillar of riotousness (oh so high)

I don't try and live my life in accordance with interpretations of atheist texts

I don't argue with other atheists about who's not God is the one true not God

I don't observe atheist holy days - because there aren't any

I don't constrain my diet within the bounds set out in atheist doctrine - because there is none

I don't pray to anything

I don't dress or force others to dress in a certain way because 'it is written'

...but still if you want to call me religious - feel free. I don't care.

Answer 2

Religion is an organized method of beliefs and worship of God or a supernatural being. Faith is the foundation of religion. Religious people believe in an afterlife. Believers read the Bible, and see it as 100% truth.

Atheism is the lack of belief in God and the supernatural. Logic is the foundation of Atheism. Atheists do not believe in an afterlife. Atheists read the Bible, and through an open mind, the lies are revealed.

Atheists are not religious people, therefore, I must conclude that Atheism is not a religion.

Answer 3

I hate to disappoint lots of people but, yes technically Atheism is a religion.

The word Religion comes from the Latin word Religiosus meaning to bind or to believe. Well if religion means belief and Atheism is a belief then it follows logically that it can be regarded as a religion.

Answer 4

depending on the definition of religion.
technically no, but religion is simply the way a person lives their life within the moral constraints of their society. therefore atheism is a veiwpoint as relivent as any religion except it is anti-thiest anti-religion so really no. It is the belief that all religions are wrong, it is the belief in science usually (but is not scientology).
Atheism is a negative disposition to religion, so no it is not a religion but a way of a person living their life

Answer 5

No atheism is not a religion. It is merely the statement that all deities are not real. A religion has a worshiped figurehead and doctrines that the worshipers rely on and atheism has neither of these. If anything, it's a philosophy.

Answer 6

No. Atheism is the lack of any organised religion. Everyone might have their own beliefs, but with Atheists, none of those beliefs have to mesh. It doesn't mean you believe in nothing, just that you don't follow a religion.

Answer 7

Well according to the dictionary.com definition of religion. I would have to say no...

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.

Religion, to me, involves invoking the supernatural and special rites and practices. Neither of which atheism has.

Answer 8

Dawkins and his gang, for whom I have the highest respect, say no. This is because of the way they define the word "religion" - the connotations, for a rationalist, makes religion something you really don't want anything to do with.

But if "religion" means "a coherent belief system that explains the natural world and provides some pointers as to how to live", then atheism isn't just a religion, it's the BEST religion.

Answer 9

Athiesm is not a religion as a religion has certain practises and customs and you don't see athiests with special garments or festivals. It is a faith/belief (having trust in an idea) like believing in a general God not one of any specific religion is a faith/belief.

Answer 10

More along the lines of a philosophical choice so if you want to think of it as a religion then knock yourself out as the holy grail of the belief is a combination of logic and science .