Science/Atheism are not religions

[NullPointerException]

http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=religion

The only possible applicable definition for either of the two terms is that it is A cause, principle, or activity pursued with zeal or conscientious devotion. Which of course, does not support the fact that it is actually a religion in a traditional sense because it has no universal doctrine of faith. Also, atheism clearly fails to meet the criteria for a religion in any shape or form.

[Yahweh]

Originally posted by NullPointerException
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=religion

The only possible applicable definition for either of the two terms is that it is A cause, principle, or activity pursued with zeal or conscientious devotion.
I guess sports would fall under that definition also...

[NullPointerException]

It accidently posted and I can't edit it, so here is the finale:

If science were a religion than it could not receive funding from the government. The only way that it can be perceived as a religion is the fact that it is systematic and organized. Scientists do not have a set of universal beliefs that are a requirement to be a scientist, nor is scientific knowledge based on faith that 1+1=2. Also, if science is a religion, the American government is a religion. In which case, the American government cannot recognize itself, as this would be unconstitutional.

(*edit* yes its the broadest definition.

[Upchurch]

Originally posted by NullPointerException
If science were a religion than it could not receive funding from the government. Not that I don't agree with the sentiment, but this is an appeal to authority (http://www.nizkor.org/features/fallacies/appeal-to-authority.html). Just because the government classifies science as not being a religion, doesn't necessarily mean that it is so.

I agree with you that science is not a religion, of course, but this line of argumentation doesn't help prove it. Your strongest argument is that it isn't faith-based.

[ReasonableDoubt]

Originally posted by NullPointerException
Also, atheism clearly fails to meet the criteria for a religion in any shape or form. Therefore?

[A_Feeble_Mind]

No!!! Not again!!! Why, oh most magnificent A-God, did you let this subject be brought up again? ;)

[NullPointerException]

Originally posted by A_Feeble_Mind
No!!! Not again!!! Why, oh most magnificent A-God, did you let this subject be brought up again? ;)


Will, is that you? OMNG I thought you were killed while dancing in the rain with Peter during that tragic episode of Family Guy!

[T'ai Chi]

Well yeah, people can be devoted to anything I guess.

For hard-core believers in science (the scientistic), it might be religion-like, or a substitute for religion and religious behavior.

[c4ts]

I think the reason people sometimes confuse science for a religion is that the two contain their own philosophies.

[Otther]

Science isn't really a religion... but it is a belief system. Perhaps science is therefore a form of spirituality?

[Zero]

Originally posted by Otther
Science isn't really a religion... but it is a belief system. Perhaps science is therefore a form of spirituality? Does science really count as a belief system? I question this, on account of doubt and skepticism being such a vital component of science. A system of unbelief, maybe?

[NullPointerException]

Your reaching there Zero, since it contains an equal mix of skepticism and hopeful investigation sceince cannot be classified as either a system of belief or disbelief.

[Zero]

Originally posted by NullPointerException
Your reaching there Zero, since it contains an equal mix of skepticism and hopeful investigation sceince cannot be classified as either a system of belief or disbelief. See, that's my point, in a way...you can't lump in science with religion, because it is apples and oranges. There are no holy books, no absolutes, no absolute leaders. Everything is up for grabs, every single day.

[ReasonableDoubt]

Originally posted by NullPointerException
..., since it contains an equal mix of skepticism and hopeful investigation sceince cannot be classified as either a system of belief or disbelief. Science is the earned and repeatedly validated belief in the efficacy of a particular method of enquiry. To expand the term 'religion' to cover such a belief simply dilutes the term without benefit. You become like Humpty-Dumpty, paying the words extra to mean what you want them to mean, the cost being clarity.