Is atheism itself a religion?

[Nixt]

In my opinion it does fall under the term 'religion'.

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.

I have quoted just the first definition offered, as it is relevant to my argument. So, Atheism can be defined as "a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe". It is the belief that God does not exist, without evidence Atheists have faith that what they believe is correct, although they may not be; they assume that Atheism is the correct just as people of a certain religion assume that they are correct. A lot of atheists believe so fervently that there is no God that it is, itself, a religion.
Of course the main difference is that Atheists consider themselves non-religious and they do not adhere to any organised religion, there are no texts that they refer to, they do not have meetings or assemblies and neither do they have leaders who guide them. I suppose that is the counter argument.

Discuss

[Tash.]

I don't think it is, as you've said being an atheist means that you don't follow anybody elses teachings, you don't believe in any organised religion nor are there any leaders. I'm an atheist and I certainly don't think of it as a group of people I belong to. It's just a word to describe having no faith or belief in any religion in my opinion.

[trAsp]

Doesn't it make you don't believe in relgion? So it would be somewhat contradictory if it was a religion - it's definitely not. I don't believe in religion so I am athiest, if I have to state my religion I don't write athiest. It's just a belief/perception on how the Earth was built. It lacks a lot of aspects religion has, ie a place of prayer, a god etc.

[Nixt]

Doesn't it make you don't believe in relgion? So it would be somewhat contradictory if it was a religion. I don't think it is.

No, atheism is:

• the doctrine or belief that there is no God
• a lack of belief in the existence of God or gods

Not necessarily not believing in Religion . God and religion are two different things .

[Rizla,]

From what I've always understood atheism is non-belief, although now that you pose the question I see where you're coming from. Personally, I don't believe atheism is a religion, it doesn't fall under any of the catergories of religion, and the majority of people who describe themselves as atheists believe in the big bang theory and evolution, which is a science, not religion.

[---MAD---]

I dont think it is myself. I think its more of a title. Religion usually involves duties and/or following set rules / guidelines.

[Dan2nd]

If thats true you could then make religions out of loads of things. I mean there would be the Global Warming religion lol where do you draw the line?

If thats true you could then make religions out of loads of things. I mean there would be the Global Warming religion lol where do you draw the line?

[Nixt]

Well technically you can make a religion out of anything you just need a certain amount of followers and then you can be classed as a religion.

[GommeInc]

Well technically you can make a religion out of anything you just need a certain amount of followers and then you can be classed as a religion.

Or write a book and let people over stretch the meanings inside, creating a cult.

And as Mad says, religion needs some sort of guideline with or without duties.

[FlyingJesus]

+*+STABZ SELF+*+

(sorry post was made of crap and fail)