Atheists declare new religion ?

Question

For those who don't know. Humanism. Perhaps you may
have heard of it before. Humanism is a broad category
of ethical philosophies that affirm the dignity and worth
of all people based on the ability to determine what is
right or wrong going by human qualities. Or choice
or what we consider morality. OK. Well. Many Atheists
have declared this a new religion. Because they feel
out of touch, with their own spirituality. And feel as
if all the beautiful Christians have so much fun......
Is this the next big thing ? Will Atheists give in to the
huge secular humanist movement in 2008 ? Tell me
what do you think ? Place your best answer here.
Happy Holidays. ~~~

Man. I was wonderin' where you
guys were. Wake up. Happy
Holidays to you too....

Hey Scott Free. Nice avatar. ***

Answer 1

Religions tend to have three parts to them. First, there is the belief part. This includes all the various claims of the existence of a god and so forth. Second, religion likes to claim to be a sole authority for morality. Of course, what a religion tends to claim as the "god-given" morality changes with society, though lagging a bit behind it. Thirdly, religion fulfills a social function. Sometimes, it is even a cultural identity, as with Judaism.

Atheism is a lack of belief in any gods. So, if viewed in a religious sense, it really is just a lack of the first part of religion. Atheism doesn't need any claims about the existence of any supernatural deities. If anything, atheists tend to rely on scientific reasoning.

Humanism replaces the moral dictates of religon. It is a loose basis for determining what is moral. However, it still leaves personal decisions to individuals. It generally states that good and bad are subjective, but tend to be based on what is good and bad for humanity as a whole. Therefore, it leaves open interpretation for what is good and bad to humans. Within it, we can discuss how we should live together and what rules would be good to adopt or toss out.

For atheists, the social aspect is much less defined. We tend to all have our individual interests and social groups. However, we are more likely to appreciate the contributions of other groups, including various religions. Religions, themselves, tend to be more insular on that account. I know atheists who sing in church choirs because they like the music. You won't see many Muslims in Christian choirs or vice versa.

Answer 2

Why should I, as an Atheist, give in to anything, let alone some huge secular humanist cult?
I'm not a sheep to be led around, like a Christian or some other religious fanatic.
Why can't you just accept us, as we have accepted you and your religion? Just because we are a minority, doesn't make us wrong. Christians only make up about one third of the Earth's population, so you're a minority as well.

Answer 3

Humanis is surely a system of belief. However it has no ritual, no set of rules and there is no "Worship" of any diety or supreme power involved. It does not really fit the requirements of a "Religion.

Athiests do not believe in any supreme power. That does not say that they cannot be honest, sincere, helpful to others, charitable, educated or anything else that other people do, say or think. They have no religion, but that does not mean that they have no beliefs. These "Beliefs" simply do not include worship or recognition of any god or other spiritual entity. They can be humanists without being religious.

Answer 4

This Wont Become The New Big Thing Because Unlike Christians We Don't Need To Be A Part Of A " Special " Group To Know Who We Are

Answer 5

Wow. You think a philosophy which "affirms the dignity and worth of all people based on the ability to determine what is right or wrong" is inferior to a book which advocates decapitation and stoning to death non-virgin child brides?

This kind of irrational belief system is what turns off the billions of non-believers in the world.

Answer 6

Hi, I'm an atheist and I never saw any other atheists on this board call it humanism. I certainly don't want any labels attached to my name (even ''atheist'' is too much for me sometimes), plus a new religion is the last thing we need. By the way, it is impossible for an atheist to be religious. He/she can follow a certain philosophy, but that's all.

Happy Holidays to you too.

Answer 7

I think that even Christians view themselves as humanists but they call it Christianity, lol. Spiritualism is another thing atheists have dove into too...but Humanism involves more logic (and perhaps fact) so that interests all atheists.

Answer 8

All the atheists I know take pride in not conforming or believing in anything which would make this seem like it defeats the point of calling yourself an atheist.

To each their own I guess. Maybe they aren't all the same.

Answer 9

Nope. Its definately not a religion in my book. And you should know that there are a lot of atheists out there with a religion already. Have you even thought of Buddhism or even Hinduism (yes, atheism is accepted here too).

Answer 10

It's called Secular humanism...look up the word secular and you will find why you are very good at demonstrating your own ignorance. Better luck next time kid.