Oct. 7: Is atheism a religion?
It's common to hear atheists get their knickers in a knot when you
claim that atheism is a religion. Sometimes they have witty comebacks
too. "If atheism is a religion then bald is a hair colour."
It's a silly debate to get in to. It can probably be answered by merely asking for a definition of religion.
Here is a Dictionary.com definition of religion: "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."
Using that definition, atheism cannot be considered a religion. Indeed, if that's the definition of religion, then atheism is to religion what ice cream is to filing cabinets. If I didn't believe in God and someone were to ask me what my religion was according to that definition, I would probably have to object. I'd insist that all the supernatural lingo be removed and then I might answer something like "materialism" and or "secular humanism" or "nihilism."
The etymology of the word 'religion' is up for debate too. A literal translation of the word might mean: "Something that binds you to what is sacred." Of course, different religions have different views on what is sacred. Muslims believe Mecca is sacred. Christians do not. I think Hindus believe cows are sacred. If they do, there probably aren't a whole lot of McDonalds in India.
We could be ultra-simplistic and just say that religion is a philosophy on how to communicate with God. But if that's the case, Buddhism might not be considered a religion. Apparently, the Buddha himself rejected the notion of a creator diety. Also, he probably wasn't a big fat guy like the one you see depicted in Chinese restaurants.
I am playing with my ball
As such, I dislike the word "religion." I don't think I've ever asked anyone what religion they are. I prefer the more encompassing term "worldview." If you're a Christian or a Muslim or a Jew or a Hindu, you'll probably use that question to tell me a bit about your faiith. If not, you can tell me you're a secular humanist or a nihilist or a fan of Toddlers and Tiaras (which is really nihilism.)
The reason so many people consider atheism to be a religion is because when you're filling out a questionnaire and there's a blank for religion, atheists will usually just write "atheist." It doesn't mean that they go to an atheist church (though some might) or that they hate religious people (though some do), they write atheist in that blank for a number of reasons. Those reasons might be:
- If they are hit by a car, they probably don't need you to call a priest to deliver the last rites
- If they are on a dating site, letting potential suitors know that they are atheists will likely keep evangelical Mormons away
- They likely won't feel slighted if they have to work on religious holidays like Christmas (though they'll probably accept the extra pay they'd get anyway.)
Anyway, writing "atheist" in the religion blank isn't something to get all worked up over. Instead of blowing a gasket, just ask for a definition of religion and then you can be done with things.
It's a silly debate to get in to. It can probably be answered by merely asking for a definition of religion.
Here is a Dictionary.com definition of religion: "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."
Using that definition, atheism cannot be considered a religion. Indeed, if that's the definition of religion, then atheism is to religion what ice cream is to filing cabinets. If I didn't believe in God and someone were to ask me what my religion was according to that definition, I would probably have to object. I'd insist that all the supernatural lingo be removed and then I might answer something like "materialism" and or "secular humanism" or "nihilism."
The etymology of the word 'religion' is up for debate too. A literal translation of the word might mean: "Something that binds you to what is sacred." Of course, different religions have different views on what is sacred. Muslims believe Mecca is sacred. Christians do not. I think Hindus believe cows are sacred. If they do, there probably aren't a whole lot of McDonalds in India.
We could be ultra-simplistic and just say that religion is a philosophy on how to communicate with God. But if that's the case, Buddhism might not be considered a religion. Apparently, the Buddha himself rejected the notion of a creator diety. Also, he probably wasn't a big fat guy like the one you see depicted in Chinese restaurants.
I am playing with my ballAs such, I dislike the word "religion." I don't think I've ever asked anyone what religion they are. I prefer the more encompassing term "worldview." If you're a Christian or a Muslim or a Jew or a Hindu, you'll probably use that question to tell me a bit about your faiith. If not, you can tell me you're a secular humanist or a nihilist or a fan of Toddlers and Tiaras (which is really nihilism.)
The reason so many people consider atheism to be a religion is because when you're filling out a questionnaire and there's a blank for religion, atheists will usually just write "atheist." It doesn't mean that they go to an atheist church (though some might) or that they hate religious people (though some do), they write atheist in that blank for a number of reasons. Those reasons might be:
- If they are hit by a car, they probably don't need you to call a priest to deliver the last rites
- If they are on a dating site, letting potential suitors know that they are atheists will likely keep evangelical Mormons away
- They likely won't feel slighted if they have to work on religious holidays like Christmas (though they'll probably accept the extra pay they'd get anyway.)
Anyway, writing "atheist" in the religion blank isn't something to get all worked up over. Instead of blowing a gasket, just ask for a definition of religion and then you can be done with things.
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