P
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.
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.