How many non-atheists know that atheism is not a religion?

Atheism is a religion as much as bald is a hair colour.

No offense to you, but 1. This question is asked MANY times a day and 2. It's really quite a simple question to answer for yourself if you are really paying attention to what's being said. 1. Not having a belief or a religion does not mean you do not care about religion and belief. 2. This section is about religion and spirituality, not for the religious. 3. Atheists can be spiritual. 4. Religion affects every last person on this planet, and those who are committed to the good of humanity care about the issues involving religion. 5. The lives of atheists are often governed with laws that are based in religious belief - from not buying alcohol on Sundays to not being allowed by law to run for office and/or testify in court in seven different states. Political issues are colored by the beliefs of the population as well - the issues of gay marriage, stem cell research, abortion, and so on are often argued from religiosity rather than facts. Atheism, btw, does not necessarily mean "non-religion", it means "no belief in god". La Vey Satanism is a religion in which there is no god (Satan is not worshipped or believed in, but is merely a metaphor and a symbol). There are also certain Buddhist traditions that do not require a belief in a god or gods, as well as some other Eastern religions.

I know I'm gonna get bad marks for this but I'll share anyways. Actually there has been some courts that ruled atheism a religion, sadly. In Wisconsin stated atheism is a religion and was protected under the first amendment rights as one.

In my opinion considering atheism takes A LOT more faith and belief to have your way of thinking than it does to acknowledge a higher power I would definitely consider atheism a form of "religion". Kind of weird I'm arguing for atheism to be a religion when I am completely against what you stand for but hey, we all gotta make some points. Your point just happened to be wrong today.

Probably fewer than know that it is a religion.

The Native Americans had no books (no written language) but they had a religion.

The Greco/Roman religions did not have weekly meetings or a sacred day, but they were a religion.

Even the Christian church has people who disagree on issues but do not hate each other. (Such as the Catholic and Anglican churches which except each others ordinations and members.) They are religions.

So none of the things you mentioned are needed to define a "religion".

According to Webster, religion is a belief about a divine being, and atheist have that - even if it is a negative belief.

Thus, atheism is a religion.

Its quite simple really. They are either uneducated (either by choice or upbringing), brainwashed or just plain of low intelligence. If they were educated and intelligent they would be Atheists too. So just forget it, its not even worth thinking about

EDIT:

Tom Bailey. you are a moron spreading lies.. Not very Christian of you!

I am extreemly happy and so are all of my Aithiest friends. In fact the only unhappy people I know are christians and it is usually because they are feelking guilty about some "sin " or other such as having pride in themselves or because they had sex, both of which an Aethiest would to feel joyous about.

You believe You are right and the rest of the world is wrong.

You keep preaching Your (non)belief.

Define religion. "Getting together every week" is not a requirement of all religions. The sign DOES say RELIGION and Spirituality. Would You go answering all the pet questions because You don't have any and hate pets? It seems to me that YOURself is a high hurdle.

Im glad that someone has posted a question regarding this. It would have been even better if someone of a different belief would have posted it. But oh well Hopefully ppl learn from this.

I do! Its a way for some Christians to belittle your view on religion. Don't let them.

And no, atheism =/= depression. That's just stupid.

Atheism is the lack of religion.

As a Christian, I know Atheism is a belief and a way of life. I respect the Atheists to believe the way they do as I do any Religion or belief or viewpoint. It is a shame that MOST people don't treat Christians the same way. But that is OK, I have God my on my side so, who can be against me? I hope everyone has a WONDERFUL day!!

I know it's not a religion. Well stated :0)

Have an awesome day!

Ophelia ♥: "Atheism is a religion as much as bald is a hair colour." -- I like it! LOL