http://www.theage.com.au/news/in-de...1175971410059.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap2 more in the article - I thought it was interesting to see how this (apparently) contemporary branch of atheism bears many similarities to religion itself
Calling atheism a religion is like calling bald a hair color. and There is a check list here for more info to make up your mind: http://www.abarnett.demon.co.uk/atheism/atheismreligion.html
On the contrary. As an atheist, I have seen many fellow atheists treat their atheism as thought it were a religion. They actively attempt to convert others into our line of thought (convert the believers into atheists) and they preach atheists beliefs in the same fashion an avid and rabid Christian preaches bible verses. This is something I have never appreciated. As an atheist, I dislike it when some attempt to force others into not believing (as I do not believe). Some atheists do treat their atheism as though it were a religion. And it is not and never will be.
That's purely dependant upon how you define 'religion'. If you use the definition: - something one believes in and follows devotedly Then anything and everything is a religion and thus the word descends into worthlessness. More pertinent perhaps is - 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 The mistake is being made because 'religion' is being defined simply as something one does with devotion, (from football to sex to computer games). Once again: That definition includes everything and thus becomes a redundant, worthless word.