re·li·gion /rɪˈlɪdʒən/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[ri-lij-uhn] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun
1. a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, esp. 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.
2. a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects: the Christian religion; the Buddhist religion.
3. the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices: a world council of religions.
4. the life or state of a monk, nun, etc.: to enter religion.
5. the practice of religious beliefs; ritual observance of faith.
6. something one believes in and follows devotedly; a point or matter of ethics or conscience
(1) Does atheism require a set of beliefs?
-Yes. There is no guarantee that God or a set of gods does not exist. There is no solid evidence to that effect. As a result, one must believe that no god exists.
(2) Does believing in atheism include a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe?
-Absolutely. Atheists typically believe that the cause of the universe is an accident, that nature of the universe is to continue following a natural state of being, a natural course of events, and that "survival of the fittest" is typically dominate, despite whether or not said atheists believe in evolution. And atheists believe that there is no purpose of the universe.
(3) Does atheism have a set of beliefs or practices generally agreed upon by a group?
-Of course. Nothing quite as organized as the typical God-fearing religion, but atheists still believe that morality is up to the individual, that logic and science reign, rather than a deity, et cetera. Sounds an awful lot like a set of beliefs, like practicing the act of gaining knowledge.
(4) Do atheists follow their belief set with a degree of devotion?
-There's no way anybody could deny this. Of course.
(5) Does atheism require faith?
-Yes. Frankly, there is no solid evidence to say that God doesn't exist. There is no proof that the universe is natural. As a result, it requires a degree of faith to be certain that there is no God. Just like you have to have faith that your car isn't going to overheat and catch fire when you drive it, or that you have to have faith when you go to the bank that nobody will rob it and shoot you, you also have to have faith that you know God doesn't exist.
And, actually, I could make a wonderful argument that it requires more faith to not believe in God. But, that's not the point.
The point is... you're fooling yourself if you say you don't follow some sort of religion. By definition, atheism most definitely fits under the category of religious belief. Religion is a part of everybody, just like your taste in music, what sorts of food you like, or the type of career you prefer. Everybody follows a religious belief, although you certainly can say that some follow their belief more... religiously... than others.
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