Is Atheism Becoming a Religion?

002 Cents · #1 03-12-2010, 05:41 PM

I couldn't help but notice a news story that really stood out to me recently.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYUlhEMTCdk

Am I the only one who finds this to be tasteless?

Are they becoming their own religion?

Chrysaetos · #2 03-12-2010, 05:51 PM

No it's not (becoming) a religion, because of this..

#3 03-12-2010, 05:57 PM

It fits the definition alright.

"particular system of faith"

They BELIEVE that there is no God,
based on no evidence whatsoever,
but, rather, on what they take to be
the absence of evidence.

An odd position, to be sure.

Chrysaetos · #4 03-12-2010, 06:02 PM

Absence of belief.
The burden of proof lies with those who claim God/tooth fairy/angel/croc monster etc. exists..

More..

002 Cents · #5 03-12-2010, 07:23 PM

I can actually see both arguments being made here.

Atheism as a term to define where you stand spiritually is not something I have a problem with. I know many atheists who are good honorable people. However, I can say the same for Agnostics, Christians, Muslims, Hindu, Buddhists, Unitarian, Taoist, Humanist... on the flip side of that coin I also know plenty of dishonorable people who fall into each category...

My concern is that the way this group is representing themselves as, "Speaking on Behalf of Atheists" is imposing on Peaceful, Respectful Atheists a belief system and personal conduct they may not agree with.

Generally, I feel they should not incorporate the term Atheist in their Agenda nor do I feel, if they celebrate the Holiday, they should call it Christmas. They don't have to believe in God, but if they insist on Hijacking a holiday dedicated to Jesus, the least they can do is be respectful.

They could have just as easily placed a banner that said "May the Season bring you Joy".

#6 03-12-2010, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrysaetos

Absence of belief.
The burden of proof lies with those who claim God/tooth fairy/angel/croc monster etc. exists..

I politely disagree.

#7 03-12-2010, 09:04 PM

I distinguish between atheism and agnosticism.

"The atheist forgets that what he is affirming is, precisely, a negation."
~ Marcel Proust

BlueSky · #8 03-12-2010, 09:23 PM

The way I see it.........they (atheists) don't believe in a God and those that do, cannot come to an agreement on what the word God even means.
Sounds like everyone is in the same boat. lol
James

#9 03-12-2010, 10:27 PM

Unconditional love, the spirit of truth and goodness which unites, surrounds, purifies, transforms, and makes all things new... I call this "God", because I can think of no greater word, and because it is worthy of the name.

#10 04-12-2010, 04:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 002 Cents

Am I the only one who finds this to be tasteless?

Not at all. makes you think, doesn't it?
I also think that both are right. There is no problem.