Is Atheism a religion?

Simple question -

Just because the supreme court recognizes Atheism as a religion, does that actually make it one?

I see it as a "belief" but not a religion.
Don't ask me why because I don't know lol. Its just the first thing that comes to mind.

Hmm, that's interesting. I kind of consider it a slap in the face to Atheism to consider it a "religion". Though, in theory.... meh. I guess it is, in its own way. (ETA: I'm agnostic.)

Quoting LolaMcKitten:" Simple question - Just because the supreme court recognizes Atheism as a religion, does that actually make it one?"

idk... what's the definition of a religion? It's a belief.. so why not?

That depends on if there is an issue that needs clarifying by the supreme court, in which case, it is a religion. Like being common law married... people can consider that married or not regardless of law but in Texas, it's recognized --- but it only matters if it's contested and you have to consult the law for an answer. Does that make sense AT ALL???

I prefer to think of it as an absence of religion but I'm no philosopher.

I don't know. It is a belief.

Here is my thing - how does non-belief in something constitute a religion? It's not like Atheists gather and sing songs or actually practice anything. If you ask 3 different Atheists about their beliefs, you are going to get 3 different answers. I don't see why non-belief in something would mean it's a religion - I don't believe in fairies or ghosts and so I suppose all of us that don't believe in those should also be considered a religion.

I have no clue. It is certainly a belief system.

Quoting LolaMcKitten:" Here is my thing - how does non-belief in something constitute a religion? It's not like Atheists gather ... [snip!] ... believe in fairies or ghosts and so I suppose all of us that don't believe in those should also be considered a religion. "

Religion:


1.
a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially 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.
2.
a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects: the Christian religion; the Buddhist religion.
3.
the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices: a world council of religions.
4.
the life or state of a monk, nun, etc.: to enter religion.
5.
the practice of religious beliefs; ritual observance of faith.

Yeah I think maybe the term religion is being used as a "belief system" as opposed to what we typically think of as religion, a style of worship in a particular higher power or whatever.

I'm ignorant of this subject. But does atheist mean you don't believe in religion at all? But I thought that's what agnostic means...

I thought it was the absence of religion

No, I wouldn't consider it to be.

There's way more to religion than simply saying "I believe there is a God/I believe there isn't a God".

Quoting HopingforaMiracle:" I'm ignorant of this subject. But does atheist mean you don't believe in religion at all? But I thought that's what agnostic means..."

Agnostic means you can neither prove nor disprove the existence of a god or gods, and will not claim to "know" (though there are different types of agnostics).

Quoting The Doctor:" Religion: 1. a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially ... [snip!] ... the life or state of a monk, nun, etc.: to enter religion. 5. the practice of religious beliefs; ritual observance of faith."

Ok, but by those standards, scientists could also be considered a religion, since groups of them have believe similar things about " beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe" , and I think we can all agree that science is not a religion.