The Atheist - Agnostic - Non religious thread

Leningrad wrote: BUDDHISM IS NOT A RELIGION

I've heard it referred to as Asian Atheism... but then that starts the regurgitation of that old slippery slope.... starting at that beginning, can you really call Atheism a religion?  It's more like an anti-religion;  but not necessarily an inversion of Religion (like some forms of satanism can be).  I like to think that "religions" have to have two basic things:  A recognized text with universally (within that religion) accepted tenants, and a building in which many come to worship together, and enough followers to make it internationally recognized as a system of thought that is not fringe or cult-like.  Last time I checked, Atheist churches only existed in the universe of Metalocalypse.    Buddhism may have its temples, but really aren't they just places to have silence away from the noise pollution of life (otherwise)?  Isn't that what any temple is?  So it follows by my definition (with the three ideas behind it- but granted my definition should not necessarily be accepted as an Objective truth), that Buddhism is a religion.... even though it (paradoxically it may seem) has been referred to as Atheism (by some).  Once again I would like to advise freedom of thought above all else.....  any religion can be defined differently for individuals (and what it does for them).  If there was a church for the worship of RIO and Avant Garde, I would most likely attend, provided that no gods came into the picture, just the absorption of the music... and maybe even a church band of improvisers!  But you could call that a specific music hall rather than a church, really....


Edited by avalanchemaster - June 06 2009 at 21:37

King By-Tor wrote: I find it funny that the atheists opened this discussion as a topic to chat and the religious folk have crusaded our asses and turned it into a huge debate. You guys are silly with your opinions which you hold as fact - at least we don't go door to door saying, "hi, have you found faith in life and no longer have need for an idol which to fear and give thanks to? Let me tell you about Atheism."

 @ Ivan: I don't know what that was supposed to mean... but you certainly are kicking down our door and holding crosses high.

Edited by King By-Tor - June 06 2009 at 21:41

MovingPictures07 wrote: Is atheism or agnosticism a religion then? By that definition, no.

Ivan_Melgar_M wrote: MovingPictures07 wrote: Is atheism or agnosticism a religion then? By that definition, no.   Never said it was, I said that some Attheists do a form of evangelism and that SOME atheist organizations have a structure similar to a religion.   Would be absurd to say it's a religion.   Iván

Oh, I never said you said it was universally; I was just wondering what you thought about it.

I agree that some atheist people and organizations can be just as pushy as religious organizations; it really just comes down to an individual basis. In general though, I tend to find more pushy religious organizations than atheist ones.

Not sure that means anything significant.

JJLehto wrote: King By-Tor wrote: Jedi is a religion these days. I find it funny that the atheists opened this discussion as a topic to chat and the religious folk have crusaded our asses and turned it into a huge debate. You guys are silly with your opinions which you hold as fact - at least we don't go door to door saying, "hi, have you found faith in life and no longer have need for an idol which to fear and give thanks to? Let me tell you about Atheism." Well, Jedi IS a religion to some people. In fact, according to the 2001 census Jedi is the 4th largest religion in England and Wales! Christian: 72.0% No religion: 14.7% Chose not to respond: 7.8% Muslim: 3.1% Hindu: 1.1% Jedi: 0.79%

That's nuts.

avalanchemaster wrote: MovingPictures07 wrote: JJLehto wrote: King By-Tor wrote: Jedi is a religion these days. I find it funny that the atheists opened this discussion as a topic to chat and the religious folk have crusaded our asses and turned it into a huge debate. You guys are silly with your opinions which you hold as fact - at least we don't go door to door saying, "hi, have you found faith in life and no longer have need for an idol which to fear and give thanks to? Let me tell you about Atheism." Well, Jedi IS a religion to some people. In fact, according to the 2001 census Jedi is the 4th largest religion in England and Wales! Christian: 72.0% No religion: 14.7% Chose not to respond: 7.8% Muslim: 3.1% Hindu: 1.1% Jedi: 0.79% That's nuts. yep.  But it also serves the argument that any religion can be nuts.  The majority of them can be based on good intentions, it is when these good intentions begin to poison the majority of secular life that they become absurd and out of control.  There is no ONE universal truth that suits all people.  That is the danger of these beliefs.... and the nature of beliefs is that they are personal (or at least should be), and yet people make money and ruin lives over these beliefs!!!!  Hello?  Am I the only one that sees the corruption here?  (But you could argue that humans, by their very nature; especially in a post-modern capitalistic society, are corrupt.)

You're not the only one; I agree with that.

Ivan_Melgar_M wrote: Dean wrote:   Yep - I'm ignoring all of them loonies - just saying what this atheist thinks . But seriously - I believe that when your average atheist (who to be honest, doesn't give this stuff that much thought) says they don't believe in god or that they don't believe in the existance of god it is primarily the "belief" that they are denying - they specifically say "I do not believe"   Nice play of words Dean,. it's fantastic and perfect for a lawyer on a trial. calling them loonies because you don't agree with them, doesn't make them loonies.

SergiUriah wrote: Do atheists say: "Oh, my God!"?, or that exclamation set phrase is prohibited for them?

Ivan_Melgar_M wrote: avalanchemaster wrote:   There is no ONE universal truth that suits all people.    That's why in any civilized country there is freedom to believe in what you want or not to believe.   That's why there are about 30,000 Christian denominations alone and countless religions.   That's why there's a separation between Church and state in most countries supported by most religions.   This is my last post in this thread because it seems that many don't like a debate.   Iván

Yes, but in many countries, religion is still in a special place. Religious institutions are generally not taxed. Religion is still used to get the votes and support of the people. Religious groups try to push the separation of church and state, just look at California and the Prop 8 fiasco.

   This thread wasn't about debating the existence of God. It was about caused a person to be an atheist and issues regarding atheism.