Is Religion Atheism?

[CWL]

In relation to a certain perpetual debate (involving the flogging of one long since deceased specimen of the species Equus caballus) I contribute with this thread and quote myself (always a humble thing to do) from here (http://www.randi.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?s=&postid=1870203870&highlight=alrightie#post1870203870):

Originally posted by CWL
If atheism (i.e. not believing in [a] God) is a religion then, by all means, not playing soccer is a sport, not collecting stamps is a hobby, not eating at the moment is having a spot of lunch, not reading is enjoying some literature, etc., etc., etc.

Besides, many religious people would have us believe that we (including myself and other atheists) are all religious. I submit that it's the other way around. We are all atheists - more or less. Take Christians for example - they just happen to believe in one more god than I do. :halo:

There you have it. Christianity, Taosim, Scientology, The Aesir Cult, Zen Buddhism, Rap Music - you name it - are not religions at all, they're all merely different forms of Atheism.

I hope this clears things up.

[Yahweh]

If atheism (i.e. not believing in [a] God) is a religion then, by all means, not playing soccer is a sport, not collecting stamps is a hobby, not eating at the moment is having a spot of lunch, not reading is enjoying some literature, etc., etc., etc.

I give that analogy two thumbs up and a smilie :).

[jimmygun]

I forget now who said it but it involved a conversation between an atheist and a Christian. The atheist contended that they were both atheists, but that he believed in one less god than the Christian.

[CWL]

Originally posted by jimmygun
I forget now who said it but it involved a conversation between an atheist and a Christian. The atheist contended that they were both atheists, but that he believed in one less god than the Christian.

Well, what can I say - IMO it's certainly just as valid as claiming that "atheism is just another religion".

[EdipisReks]

Originally posted by jimmygun
I forget now who said it but it involved a conversation between an atheist and a Christian. The atheist contended that they were both atheists, but that he believed in one less god than the Christian.

"I contend that we are both atheists. I just believe in one fewer god than you do. When you understand why you dismiss all the other possible gods, you will understand why I dismiss yours."
-Stephen Roberts

[geni]

This would work great untill you try it with hindus and find that you belive in several million fewer god than they do.

[EdipisReks]

Originally posted by geni
This would work great untill you try it with hindus and find that you belive in several million fewer god than they do.

that's what the independently targeting particle beam phalanx is for.

[CWL]

Originally posted by geni
This would work great untill you try it with hindus and find that you belive in several million fewer god than they do.

Still, there are several millon gods that Hindus don't believe in so the point still holds - i.e. Hinduism is just another form of Atheism.

I'm so glad we finally sorted this out.

[Kilted_Canuck]

The believer logic.....making my......head hurt!! ;)

[Cecil]

Don't want to be seen as an ungodly atheist by your friends and neighbours?

Scared of their reactions when they find out there are gods that you don't believe it?

Join the ever growing cul...er...religion of Allgodism today! For a modest fee, you can legitimately profess belief in EVERY god to have ever possibly existed. Just send $500 to...

[Craig]

Originally posted by Cecil
Don't want to be seen as an ungodly atheist by your friends and neighbours?

Scared of their reactions when they find out there are gods that you don't believe it?

Join the ever growing cul...er...religion of Allgodism today! For a modest fee, you can legitimately profess belief in EVERY god to have ever possibly existed. Just send $500 to...

...Craig!

[Igopogo]

Going back to the original post, I would argue that religion should be defined as a fervent belief in anything. This belief system gives the believer a POV from which to view the workings of the world. This could manifest itself in ancient mythologies, political parties, rock groups, sports teams....

When the communist leaders of USSR made atheism the state religion, did the belief in communism take the place of mythological God(s) in the followers?

Is there fundamental difference between the pilgrim that makes an annual trip goes to Mecca or to Disneyland?

Is religion too narrowly defined when just applied to ancient mythologies?

[EdipisReks]

Originally posted by Igopogo
Going back to the original post, I would argue that religion should be defined as a fervent belief in anything. This belief system gives the believer a POV from which to view the workings of the world. This could manifest itself in ancient mythologies, political parties, rock groups, sports teams....

When the communist leaders of USSR made atheism the state religion, did the belief in communism take the place of mythological God(s) in the followers?

Is there fundamental difference between the pilgrim that makes an annual trip goes to Mecca or to Disneyland?

Is religion too narrowly defined when just applied to ancient mythologies?

oy vey.

[CWL]

Originally posted by Igopogo
Going back to the original post, I would argue that religion should be defined as a fervent belief in anything. This belief system gives the believer a POV from which to view the workings of the world. This could manifest itself in ancient mythologies, political parties, rock groups, sports teams....

Er... sure... that's a possible definition. Although it might be ... shall we say... a bit too... wide?