Is Atheism a Religion?

P1LGR1M · Oct 30, 2015

Some are going to think this a stupid question, at first glance, but, I would invite all to give this a second look.

Let's start with a definition of religion:

From Wikipedia:
A religion is an organized collection of beliefs, cultural systems, and world views that relate humanity to an order of existence.[SUP][note 1][/SUP] Many religions have narratives, symbols, and sacred histories that aim to explain the meaning of life, the origin of life, or the Universe. From their beliefs about the cosmos and human nature, people may derive morality, ethics, religious laws, or a preferred lifestyle.

Many religions may have organized behaviors, clergy, a definition of what constitutes adherence or membership, holy places, and scriptures. The practice of a religion may include rituals, sermons, commemoration or veneration (of a deity, gods, or goddesses), sacrifices, festivals, feasts, trances, initiations, funerary services, matrimonial services, meditation, prayer, music, art, dance, public service, or other aspects of human culture. Religions may also contain mythology.[SUP][1][/SUP]

Those who would deny that Atheism is a Religion are welcome to point out the distinctions between the two groups, but, I would ask they also comment on the similarities.

For example, can we say that most Atheists are collective in their beliefs about the origin of life and the universe?

Can we associate any lifestyles with Atheism?

Here is what I have found on both Christian and Atheist forums, Atheists have Preachers, Teachers, Evangelists, and Missionaries...even as most religions do.

Atheism has become more organized in recent years, and while they are still a minority as far as being professing Atheists, they have had powerful sway in this Country, effecting Policy Change as well as infiltrating what is best described as Modern Christendom (that is, what is perceived as "Christian").

While driving home from another state the other day, I happened to tune into a show where a "Reverend" of some sort made statements promoting homosexuality and abortion. He said "The Bible is silent on abortion," and then made reference to what is clearly God's will concerning Miscarriage:

Exodus 21:22-23

King James Version (KJV)

[SUP]22 [/SUP]If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine.

[SUP]23 [/SUP]And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life,

I will give the NIV (seems to be fairly popular here) as well:

Exodus 21:22-23

New International Version (NIV)

[SUP]22 [/SUP]“If people are fighting and hit a pregnant woman and she gives birth prematurely[SUP][a][/SUP] but there is no serious injury, the offender must be fined whatever the woman’s husband demands and the court allows.

[SUP]23 [/SUP]But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life,

So what can we conclude concerning this "reverend's" statement?

It's a lie.

Yet many will here the vague references he speaks of and take what he is saying as having a Biblical Authority which does not exist. And while I would not go so far as to be dogmatic this fellow is not saved (one can be saved and be in error), what I will be dogmatic about is that he is without question a false teacher and a minister of Satan.

He is what is called the Practical Atheist.

So again, the question may seem stupid, but, I am confident that we can view Atheism as a Religion, having adherents that parallel the adherents of any Religion, ranging from nominal to fanatical, best gauged by the efforts of the individual Atheist. Some atheists are sincere in their beliefs, one complaint being that "Religion is harmful," and I hate to say it...but this is true. That is why Christianity is distinguished from Religion, and while we might find what James calls "pure religion and undefiled" exhibited in the Christian Life, we are not going to be able to label Christianity as a Religion, because it is a Relationship. It is a relationship with God which impacts our relationship with our fellow man.

So I would just ask if anyone has ever really given this any thought.

It is a mistake of the highest order to overlook the fact that Atheism has specific Doctrine which is agreed to by all atheists. The true Atheist is "without God," to be sure, but to conclude that they are "without gods" is a mistake. Their gods may be defined differently, but, they are gods all the same.

And just to give an example of the progressively organized state of this Religion, consider Atheist Churches:

[h=1]Atheist mega-churches and agnostic groups growing in America[/h]
Here is something from the First Church of Atheism:

[h=2]Get legally ordained for free[/h] As a legally ordained minister, you're able to perform weddings, funerals, commitment ceremonies, and other functions that are reserved for members of clergy. You can also start a local FCA Chapter in your city!
[h=2]With the First Church of Atheism you can become ordained quickly, easily, and at no cost.[/h] Since its inception, the First Church of Atheism has amassed quite a following around the world. FCA ministers come from all walks of life. They are every race, ethnicity, age, and creed. The one thing binding every FCA minister is his or her belief in science, reason, and reality. The First Church of Atheism wants you to pursue and cherish your realistic beliefs without interference from any outside agency, including government or church authority. We provide our service for free, as we believe it is every atheists right to perform these clergy functions. You may become a legally ordained minister for life, without cost, and without question.

Can we doubt Atheism is organized?

Google Atheist Organizations. It might surprise you just how many there are.

So again, I ask the question: is Atheism a Religion?

God bless.

ember · Oct 30, 2015

I don't think it's a stupid question...in fact, that has been asked quite a few times I think

here's an interesting quote from an atheist site

I find the sentence in red to be ridiculous. Defining atheisim as a lack of belief rather than disbelief?

apparently, it's a sensitive question for some atheists lol!

ps...I'm kind of thinking that yes...they are very religious!!

crossnote · Oct 30, 2015

Here is how I see it...

Every atheist has a view on what happens when they die (the afterlife), usually their answer is something like, "We become worm food". Voila! That is part of their religion.
How a person views the afterlife largely formulates their religion, be he Christian, Buddhist, Pagan or atheist.

Atheists are religious in that sense but their views may differ, so technically it may not comprise a religion but a 'no god' commonality.

Blain · Oct 30, 2015

You say that atheists have teachers and preachers and evangelists? I have known and met many many atheists but never once did they have preachers and evangelists, teachers yes everybody has one kind of teacher at least but the other two? Also A religion requires a God to worship Atheists don't believe in any kind of God

crossnote · Oct 30, 2015

Blain said:

I suppose one could say evolution is their common religion and if that is the case they have mega preachers

They may reject any kind of god but force and matter become their only alternative to eternal. What I mean is if no personal God created, their only alternative is to say matter is eternal...something can't come from nothing. So now they believe in an eternal entity.

P1LGR1M · Oct 30, 2015

ember said:

You are correct, what you emphasized in red is ridiculous, and it is a common statement by many atheists themselves.

They want to define atheism as simply a lack of belief in God or gods, and that is not all there is too many atheists I encounter.

To believe there is no God or gods is not something that is neutral, it is decidedly pro-active in assertion.

Ask the Atheist, "Do you believe in God?" What will they say? "There is no God."

That is different than saying, "Well, I just don't know, and for now I run under the assumption there isn't, because I have seen no proof there is."

And we as Christians can take it further than that, based on Biblical Doctrine, which reveals that God has revealed Himself to all men, and that no-one is without excuse. The Bible does not treat atheism as a lack of intent, but as a pro-active rebellion against the knowledge of God.

Consider that all men receive this revelation, and just as we can watch a child grow and learn, and then make decisions, this remains true in regards to God. One is introduced to the knowledge of God, and then one responds to that knowledge. A person that states "I have never believed there was a God" is denying that they have personally reached a conclusion from the available data, which begins with the internal witness of God Himself.

And that is why I gave the definition from Wikipedia, because it doesn't just treat Religion on a singular element as Atheists want to do. The example of human origin is a great example: how many atheists do we run into that do not embrace Evolution?

Do we say that Christianity is simply believing on Christ, and that's it? I think we would all agree there is more to it than that, right? While one can be saved on faith in Christ alone, we also know that we have been instructed in many other Doctrinal and Practical matters as well. We have a belief in the origin of man, and the universe, and it stands in stark contrast to the beliefs of most atheists.

Thanks for your contribution, great quote, and excellent smiley, lol.

God bless.

P1LGR1M · Oct 30, 2015

crossnote said:

You raise a great point that usually doesn't come up so quick: Religion does not require a belief in God or gods. There are a number of recognized religions that do not teach God or gods. I think Star Wars is a good example of certain religions which might teach that the essence of men is absorbed back into the universe, which for them...is their god. They become in effect gods unto themselves, though, the chair their seated in is god, as well as the tree it was made from, lol.

John Lennon wrote the theme song for mystical religions, "Imagine." His prayer was that the world would become "one."

Was he religious? His teachers, were they religious? I think most would conclude he and they were.

There was an atheist that went to court and tried to get Tax Exemption ended for religions. She lost the case, and was told that she was considered a minister of her own religion, and that she could in fact file for tax exemption (her organization). I would have loved to have been there to see that verdict rendered.

God bless.

P1LGR1M · Oct 30, 2015

Blain said:

Yes sir.

Blain said:

Can you draw conclusions from your own experience? If you have not witnessed it, it can't be a reality?

And I am not being sarcastic, just asking the questions to point out that we don't draw conclusions based on experience.

In regards to preaching, there is little difference between preaching and teaching. "Preaching" at someone can have a negative connotation imposed by some, but it simply speaking forth. A Biblical understanding might be to "herald" something. We think that preaching is reserved for someone standing behind a pulpit, but keep in mind that there are soapbox preachers as well, lol.

One can preach without teaching, but usually the goal of preaching is to teach. What is preached is spoken to bring someone's attention to something. When we preach the Gospel, we declare the truth of Scripture. So when the Teacher teaches, He is both declaring the truth (we hope) while at the same time expounding on that which he declares. An atheist preacher can be found to be declaring thee is no God without going so far as to support that with teachings. The Teacher of Atheism is going to present evidence much like we would in presenting Biblical passages to support a view or position we hold to.

As far as atheist "evangelists," on most forums there is usually some atheists who has come to "Christian Country" in order to undermine faith in Christ and the Bible. Their goal is to make converts. While we do not usually see this in day to day dealings with atheists, we can see evidence on many forums, particularly those that allow both believers and atheists. Some forums have boards specifically for the two to go head to head, or, toe to toe, lol.

Their goal is similar to our own...to make converts.

I would say try going to an atheist forum and you will see that there will be similar types of people as we see here. But I caution those weak in faith or knowledge to do so, because their teachers can be very convincing. Someone not grounded in Scripture could have their faith weakened by trying to interact with some of these people. Atheists manipulate data just as false teachers manipulate Scripture, and those who are susceptible to indoctrination should count the cost of warfare before engaging in it.

Blain said:

Consider:

[h=2]Hinduism[edit][/h]Main article: Atheism in Hinduism
Hinduism is characterised by extremely diverse beliefs and practices.[SUP][12][/SUP] In the words of R.C. Zaehner, "it is perfectly possible to be a good Hindu whether one's personal views incline toward monism, monotheism, polytheism, or even atheism."[SUP][13][/SUP] He goes on to say that it is a religion that neither depends on the existence or non-existence of God or Gods.[SUP][14][/SUP] More broadly, Hinduism can be seen as having three more important strands: one featuring a personal Creator or Divine Being, one that emphasises an impersonal Absolute and a third that is pluralistic and non-absolute. The latter two traditions can be seen as nontheistic.[SUP][15][/SUP]

Link

From the same link:

[h=2]Jainism[edit][/h]Main article: God in Jainism
Further information: Jainism and non-creationism
Jain texts claims that the universe consists of jiva (life force or souls) and ajiva (lifeless objects). According to Jain doctrine, the universe and its constituents -soul, matter, space, time, and principles of motion- have always existed. The universe and the matter and souls within it are eternal and uncreated, and there is no omnipotent creator god. Jainism offers an elaborate cosmology, including heavenly beings/devas, but these heavenly beings are not viewed as creators, they are subject to suffering and change like all other living beings, and are portrayed as mortal.
According to the Jain concept of divinity, any soul who destroys its karmas and desires, achieves liberation/Nirvana. A soul who destroys all its passions and desires has no desire to interfere in the working of the universe. If godliness is defined as the state of having freed one's soul from karmas and the attainment of enlightenment/Nirvana and a God as one who exists in such a state, then those who have achieved such a state can be termed gods (Tirthankara).
Besides scriptural authority, Jains also employ syllogism and deductive reasoning to refute creationist theories. Various views on divinity and the universe held by the vedics, sāmkhyas, mimimsas, Buddhists, and other school of thoughts were criticized by Jain Ācāryas, such as Jinasena in Mahāpurāna.

So I would have to take issue with your statement, a Religion does not require a belief in God or gods.

God bless.

Dan_473 · Oct 30, 2015

imo, atheism in its strictest sense is "theism" with the "a" negative prefix... so it doesn't actually describe what is, more what is not...

imo virtually everyone has a worldview... many atheists choose Humanism... which certainly has many of the charactaristics of a religion...

(interestingly {to me, anyways}, many scholars dispute over whether Buddhism is a religion or not...)

Gr8grace · Oct 30, 2015

crossnote said:

And from experience Crossnote. Most are mad at or disagree with the God that supposedly doesn't exist.

crossnote · Oct 30, 2015

Gr8grace said:

Deep down in their hearts I believe that is the case. Though my dad was an atheist the furthest I went in that direction was agnostic.

P1LGR1M · Oct 30, 2015

Dan_473 said:

I think that most would consider Buddhism as a religion. Funny about some of the topics "Scholars" debate about, though, lol.

God bless.

posthuman · Oct 30, 2015

P1LGR1M said:

my first english literature professor in college was buddhist. he would argue till he is blue in the face that buddhism is not a religion, but a philosophical system.
funny how much "evangelizing" he did during class, in light of his view on the subject, and how that it had nothing at all to do with what he was *supposed* to be teaching us.
odd also how much "evangelizing" atheists do, don't you think?

ember · Oct 30, 2015

crossnote said:

sounds like the mishmash of views on God for those saying they are Christian

and no kidding not everyone who says they are a Chrisitian actually are (a Christian)

the fact they follow something and attempt to proselytize, defines belief whether they want to admit to or not

spirituality does not necessairly mean one believes in God either

LORDYHWH · Oct 30, 2015

THEIR IS NO SUCH THING AS A GENIUNE ATHEIST. THEY RECOGNIZE GOD, BY SAYING THEY DON'T BELIEVE IN GOD. AND THAT DOESNT CONSTITUTE A RELIGION BECAUSE THEY DONT BELIEVE IN RELIGION EVEN THOUGH THE'RE AWARE OF IT. AND IF THEY SAY THEY DONT BELIEVE IN THE GOD OF THE BIBLE THEN THEY MUST NOT BELIEVE IN ANY GOD OR GODS IN THE HISTORY OF ALL RELIGIONS. BUT THEY USUALLY ATTACK THE GOD OF THE JEWS AND CHRISTIANS.

Ugly · Oct 30, 2015

LORDYHWH said:

Typing in all caps is considered yelling online. If it's an issue of being able to see more easily your browser should have an option to increase text size.

P1LGR1M · Oct 30, 2015

posthuman said:

It's not really odd at all, because most of us think...we have it right, lol.

Thanks for pointing out his evangelism. This is something that many do not really compare to other proselytizing efforts.

To be fair, I can understand how some atheists feel religion is harmful. I mean, consider the many atrocities History presents that were caused by those who were religious. I think most Christians understand the difference between Religion and Christianity. I like how D. James Kennedy put it, saying "There are two religions in the world, Christianity, and the "I Religion. I don't beat my wife, I keep a roof over my family's head, I do this, I do that..." (loose quote).

That is a powerful message that resonates with some.

But some of them feel they are "saving" people, lol.

That is the irony.

And in that irony we again see a parallel to other religions.

God bless.

P1LGR1M · Oct 30, 2015

LORDYHWH said:

Agree for the most part, though we could break this into two groups of discussion. The first being Atheist having a meaning of "Without God." There are many religious people who are Practical Atheists, because they have no relationship with God. The second being Atheist meaning "opposed to God," which begs the question...

...if you don't believe there is a God, why do you spend so much effort trying to convince those that do there is no God? lol

I often ask atheists I run into (and usually the more militant atheists) how often they go on Bigfoot forums and try to convince them there is no bigfoot. Or UFO forums and try to convince them there are no UFOs? I don't usually get a response for some reason, lol.

But from a biblical perspective, we also view this in two ways: first, all men receive the revelation of God, so there is no Atheist that has not first seared their conscience and rejected that revelation, which is the second element that is a constant truth concerning atheists. Because they have suppressed the truth, God will give them over to their beliefs. Just as God will send strong delusion in the Tribulation, and cause those who have rejected the Gospel to believe the lie, even so I believe there is a line drawn in the sand, that those who cross over lose the potential to receive Christ.

LORDYHWH said:

That is a great point, my friend. How many of them recognize Bigfoot or UFOs or Fairies? lol

LORDYHWH said:

And that is the misconception I hope to discuss, because some atheists are by far more religious than the average Christian.

LORDYHWH said:

We know who they believe in...Man.

LORDYHWH said:

This is true.

There is a reason why people fear the God of the Bible, because He is the One Who created them and revealed Himself to man.

Thanks for participating.

God bless.

P1LGR1M · Oct 30, 2015

Ugly said:

One easy option to accomplish this is to hold down CTRL and hit the + sign (usually beside the numbers).

I learned this by mistake, I think, lol.

God bless.

crossnote · Oct 30, 2015

P1LGR1M said:

It's not really odd at all, because most of us think...we have it right, lol.

Thanks for pointing out his evangelism. This is something that many do not really compare to other proselytizing efforts.

To be fair, I can understand how some atheists feel religion is harmful. I mean, consider the many atrocities History presents that were caused by those who were religious. I think most Christians understand the difference between Religion and Christianity. I like how D. James Kennedy put it, saying "There are two religions in the world, Christianity, and the "I Religion. I don't beat my wife, I keep a roof over my family's head, I do this, I do that..." (loose quote).

That is a powerful message that resonates with some.

But some of them feel they are "saving" people, lol.

That is the irony.

And in that irony we again see a parallel to other religions.

God bless.

We don't dare mention to them how many millions were murdered under Communism in the 20th Century

Is Atheism a Religion?

Is Atheism a Religion?

Yes.

No.

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