Is the Church of Atheism a religion?

Atheism is not a religion, and those that started the Church of Atheism clearly don't know what a church is.

1. a building for public Christian worship.

2. public worship of God or a religious service in such a building: to attend church regularly.

3. ( sometimes initial capital letter ) the whole body of Christian believers; Christendom.

4. ( sometimes initial capital letter ) any division of this body professing the same creed and acknowledging the same ecclesiastical authority; a Christian denomination: the Methodist Church.

5. that part of the whole Christian body, or of a particular denomination, belonging to the same city, country, nation, etc.

A church is a building or structure to facilitate worship and the meeting of its members, particularly in Christianity. Originally, Jewish Christians met in synagogues, such as the Cenacle, and in one another's homes, known as house churches. As Christianity grew and became more accepted by governments, notably with the Edict of Milan, rooms and, eventually, entire buildings were set aside for the explicit purpose of Christian worship, such as the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.

If they really feel the need to have a meeting place, they can call it an atheist community center.

"The church of atheism" is an oxymoron. The First Church of Atheism appears to be an interesting money making idea. Although ordination is free, proof of ordination costs $7.95. And various other documents useful to the ordained minister are available for purchase. It is definitely not a church.

It will be interesting to see the lawsuits that arise from people being married by ministers of the First Church of Atheism. It probably won't happen in Texas, because Texas law very wisely says that if both husband and wife thought the minister was legitimate, the marriage is valid even if the minister had no legal authority to marry them. That is not the case in some states.

Atheism is not and cannot be a religion. It is a simple statement about not having a belief in gods.

The atheist churches only exist to provide certain rights which are given out primarily to clergy. Such as marriage ceremonies. Yes, you can go to the justice of the peace. But if you want someone to perform the ceremony in a location of your choosing, you will have to have someone who is legally able to.

And no, nobody actually goes to these churches to pray to nothing together. In fact, I am not sure if there even are any buildings for these churches. They really shouldn't be called churches, but it was fitting as it is a good way to ensure equal treatment with other groups who actually are religious.

Atheism is a religion in the way that not collecting stamps is a hobby

no, no atheist would agree. there is no "church of atheism". there are some communities of atheist, but don't confuse a community with a religion or religious community.

Troll on son, troll on.