| Topic: |
Religions > Atheism |
| User: |
"Paul Robinson" |
| Date: |
13 May 2005 07:32:57 AM |
| Object: |
Is atheism as a type of religion? Yes or no |
First, before some dismiss me, I wish to point out I am attempting a
legitimate inquiry and am not trying to troll just to raise dissention.
I'm sure it will anyway but I am looking at examining the issue
seriously. It will not be settled in this forum but I do want to hear
the responses either way.
I have been having a discussion on another newsgroup which doesn't
really deal with atheism per se as much as it deals with other issues
and as such I feel I probably should start the discussion here because
I'd seriously like to get some feedback on what I see as an issue with
a lot of people who seem to find examining their religion of atheism to
be as distateful to them as those who examine the flaws of those who
believe in God.
For some reason, a number of people seem to be of the opinion that
atheism is not a religion. To me it is clear and obvious that it
qualifies. I think it fits all of the relevant criteria which define
what represents a religion.
If this is the case, then as such the belief in atheism should be
treated the same way, and is entitled to be granted the same level of
respect (which conceivably can be zero if their belief system contains
zero validity) as we would grant to anyone who chose some other
religion, even if some people disagree with it, whether it be a belief
in God (or Allah (peace be on his name), Jehovah or whatever name you
give him (if they believe God is a man) or her (ditto, in reverse), in
the Cargo Cult gods, in the Norse Gods, in the Mythological Gods
(Wotan, Thor, Frigg etc.)) or whatever they believe in, if they believe
in a supernatural entity with power beyond oneself and quite likely
beyond others.
To be simple, I refer to the idea of a deity with some control and
powers over this world, either as a single entity, a single entity
split in multiple parts, a committee, or groups, as the "Master of the
Universe" or more formally as "Master and Commander of the Universe."
I think every religion one claims to believe in is subject to
validation and analysis. The thing I find most hilarious is the number
of people who, in carrying a belief in God, when you point out the
errors they have made, can't see them, or refuse to acknowledge them
(because they'd have to admit maybe what they believe in is wrong or
unsustainable).
So I'd like to hear comments from people as to their position on the
issue, I'm making the claim that atheism is just as much a religious
faith as any other belief. I am not claiming it to be wrong, or
inaccurate, or necessarily right, just that it simply is another
religion.
Full Disclosure: before I became an agnostic I was a Christian. I
realized when I discovered the contradictions in that religion I could
no longer remain one. Now, if you take the Bible as having any
validity, by their rules I can never stop being one (it's like joining
a credit union, once you're a member you're always a member). So
personally I have, to the best of my knowledge and "belief" no biases
either in favor of, or opposed to, a belief in God or a belief in No
God. It also means I'm free to point out errors I see in either belief
because I no longer have preconceived notions favorable or hostile to
either side.
Now, there are some that may argue that being an agnostic is a weak
position as opposed to being an atheist. I disagree. I believe it is
much harder to be an agnostic than an atheist (which is harder than the
really easy case of believing in the Master and Commander of the
Universe, by whatever someone believes that entity to be), and I think
the issue deserves a separate article I'll explain in greater detail
there so as not to go off topic here.
I can, if people want, explain my reasoning in greater detail in
subsequent responses but I'd rather try to shorten this initial message
than lengthen it.
So I will repose the question placed in the header of this message.
Is it reasonable to consider atheism as a religion? Yes or no? If you
wish to offer claims as to why, please feel free to do so. I have my
own opinions about why, and if someone disagrees with me I'd like to
hear some suggestions why. Perhaps I can change your mind. Perhaps
you can get me to change mine. In any case, I think everyone who
participates will learn something, and maybe some of us will discover
something they didn't think about before.
Thank you for your attention
Paul Robinson
"A computer programmer and Notary Public
in and for the Commonwealth of Virginia, at large"
Paul Robinson "Above all else... We shall go on..."
"_...And continue!"
"If the lessons of history teach us anything, they teach us
that nobody ever learns the lessons that history teaches us."
.
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| User: "DianaC" |
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| Title: Re: Is atheism as a type of religion? Yes or no |
13 May 2005 03:39:45 PM |
|
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"James" <shiv_@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1116000008.306845.73400@o13g2000cwo.googlegroups.com...
That's a pretty weak definition of religion, don't you think? As a
teenager, I pursued the opposite sex with something that far surpasses
zeal. Does that make me devoutly religious towards the (usually
unsuccessful) pursuit of intercourse?
Well...............yeah. If, that is, you are going by the dictionary
definition. ;-)
.
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| User: "Christopher A. Lee" |
|
| Title: Re: Is atheism as a type of religion? Yes or no |
13 May 2005 11:30:31 AM |
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On 13 May 2005 09:00:08 -0700, "James" <shiv_@hotmail.com> wrote:
That's a pretty weak definition of religion, don't you think? As a
teenager, I pursued the opposite sex with something that far surpasses
zeal. Does that make me devoutly religious towards the (usually
unsuccessful) pursuit of intercourse?
Only when idiots like Diana try to "prove" that atheism is a religion
by dishonestly redefining both religion and atheism into things they
aren't.
She's been doing this here for the best part of 10 years now.
.
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| User: "Jez" |
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| Title: Re: Is atheism as a type of religion? Yes or no |
13 May 2005 09:50:37 AM |
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Neil Kelsey wrote:
re·li·gion (r-ljn)
n.
1.
Accidental, I guess, but Gif attachments ?
--
Jez, MBA.,
Country Dancing and Advanced Astrology, UBS.
'Realism is seductive because once you have accepted the reasonable
notion that you should base your actions on reality, you are too often
led to accept, without much questioning, someone else's version of what
that reality is. It is a crucial act of independent thinking to be
skeptical of someone else's description of reality.'-
Howard Zinn
.
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| User: "Neil Kelsey" |
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| Title: Re: Is atheism as a type of religion? Yes or no |
13 May 2005 08:39:01 PM |
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"Jez" <iced_spear@NODAMNSPAMpipex.com> wrote in message
news:1eadnf51DugmIxnfRVnysQ@pipex.net...
Neil Kelsey wrote:
re·li·gion (r-ljn)
n.
1.
Accidental, I guess, but Gif attachments ?
Accidental. Sorry. I managed to erase the little icon that pronounces the
word "religion" on your computer speakers. I could put it back in if you
want?
.
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