I'd gladly debate why atheism is not a religion.
Debate on different religions (not atheism)
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It really all comes down to the definition of religion. I think religion doesn’t need a God (Buddhism is an example), so there would be an atheistic religion. I think if we expand the definition of religion to worldview then atheism would be included.
I’ve definitely heard the famed Atman is Brahman statement lol.
I think religion is too loose of a word to be readily used. There are definitely atheistic religions out there (animistic religions particularly) so defining them as believing in one or more Gods doesn’t seem to work. There are even naturalistic religions out there (some New Age religions) so defining any view that is not naturalistic as the opposite of religion doesn’t work either. So defining it as a set of beliefs that includes the supernatural is not sufficient. It seems like we have been conditioned to recognize religions, but we don’t actually know what religion can be defined as. I’d say instead of using the word religion a lot, first define your concept of what religion is, then I’ll add it into post #1. From then on, you could refer to which definition of religion you mean by saying religion def 1. or RD1, RD2, etc… I’ll put my definition first.
Optimissed wrote:
Atheism is not a religion but it is a belief or perhaps an assortment of beliefs, since different people have different views on what it is. However, given the way that some people, like Richard Dawkins, have proselytised their atheism, anyone would be forgiven for assuming that it must be one. I don't consider Dawkins to be an atheist. He's an agnostic with strong tendencies towards disbelief but not a confirmed atheist at all. He was very religious when he was young and his viewpoints tend to be emotional reactions to that.
I see myself as an atheist. That is because, although I believe in the supernatural, I consider that the idea of God is an entirely human invention. In my opinion, God is necessary in a belief system if it is to be regarded as a religion. The example of Buddhism is a difficult one because Buddhism actually accepts the Hindu concept of Brahman, while rejecting the concept of Atman. Roughly speaking, Atman is the personal Godhead and Brahman is the universal Godlike entity. I think that within Buddhism, some followers of that religion are more atheistic and some believe in God. In Japan of course, it gets rather complicated! Thanks for inviting me to your group.
No problem! If you want your definition included, then make it as concise as possible (see RD1).
Optimissed wrote:
A religion is, sort of, a worship of a powerful force, which is worshipped in common with others. Since I think that the universe itself is the only powerful entity in existence and I wouldn't worship the universe, I don't consider myself as being religious. I do think we should try to be in sympathy with the universe. Then we become part of it in a meaningful way and we guide it and are guided by it.
I’ll add that to the list soon. Correct me if I phrase it wrong
I added it; is it correct?
Debate between your religions! For those who define atheism as a religion, I do too, but I know some people will disagree with me and you and have good reason, so unless they think atheism is a religion too, it’s not included here!
Refer to your preferred definition of religion as RD1, RD2, RD3, etc… If you don’t think the correct definition is put up, then PM me or an admin and we’ll put it up. For the early stages in this club, just post it and we’ll add it.
RD1: A system of beliefs, typically associated with some supernatural aspect of reality.
RD2: A worship of a powerful force, typically worshipped in common with others.