Atheism a religion?

[-FMA]

Today, during World History, the teacher said "Atheism is a religion," and while I've heard this many times before, I've never heard a teacher teach it. Maybe because he's wrong.

Then again, it's oftenly argued by those who are religious that atheism is a religion. Why? What's the mindset or reasoning behind this? I'm sure there's some here that would argue that it is a religion, clue me in.

-FMA

[clancy]

Everytime I have seen someone refer to atheism as a religion, it seemed that the mindset was to provoke the supporter of atheism.

[surreal]

re·li·gion (rĭ-lĭj'ən)
n.

1.

Belief in and reverence for a supernatural power or powers regarded as creator and governor of the universe.

A personal or institutionalized system grounded in such belief and worship.

2. The life or condition of a person in a religious order.

3. A set of beliefs, values, and practices based on the teachings of a spiritual

leader.

4. A cause, principle, or activity pursued with zeal or conscientious devotion.

[-FMA]

And Atheism doesn't require any devotion.

[Knothead]

I would guess that your teacher defines Religion as a brand of response to the question of God. In which case, she would be right.

An Atheist response to that question, though negative, is still a response.

"I'm a born-again Atheist."
-Gore Vidal

[-FMA]

Atheism is the lack of belief though.

[-FMA]

Ok, lets say religion didn't exist, until one day someone started telling everyone that this magical unicorn existed. And people started to believe.

Now the world has its first religion. Does that make an atheist part of a religion now? Why would it?

Anyone without a deity, is an atheist.

[Knothead]

Quote:

Originally Posted by -FMA

Atheism is the lack of belief though.

Oh, I disagree; We've plenty of Athiests here in the Community, and they are often quite vocal about their (strong) beliefs!

Besides, I happen to like the notion of Atheism-as-Religion. As it is, there ain't enough religion in the world to destroy the world's religions!

(-and a tip o' the hat to Friedrich Wilhelm Neitzsche... )

[Detritus]

Quote:

Originally Posted by -FMA

And Atheism doesn't require any devotion.

Sure, but I know many atheists who are very devoted, in fact a person I work with claims to be a militant atheist, we have some very cool and interesting discussions!

I would say to him atheism is a religon.

[-FMA]

Atheists have beliefs, but not supernatural one's, the kinds that make one religious.

Also, atheism isn't organized, and it's all on a individual basis when it comes to what an atheist thinks.

I'm an atheist, and I don't agree with everything Mr. Beemer thinks.