A= without, theism= belief in the existence of a god or gods, especially belief in one god as creator of the universe

Atheism is a philosophy/worldview that entails a basic religious belief (the belief that God does not exist).

>Atheism is contrasted with theism, which, in its most general form, is the belief that at least one deity exists. The term "atheism" originated from the Greek ????? (atheos), meaning "without god(s)", used as a pejorative term applied to those thought to reject the gods worshiped by the larger society.
Atheism - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atheism

Man, you've the answer to damn near everything, don't you? Lol

I'm curious as to why you would claim it isn't. I say it is, and quite obviously so. It's a definite claim about a religious matter. The existence or non-existence of God is a religious matter - for instance, it's covered by Thomas Aquinas in the Summa Theologica, as well as in other well-known theology resources. And atheists are making a claim about that matter. It's a negative religious belief, but it is a religious belief nonetheless. It's not "neutral."

Anyway that's my side of the story. Would be curious to hear your take on it.

Lol. No, I get it. That seems pretty good to me! Funny.

Let us turn to the Oxford dictionary for some clarification.

Atheism: disbelief or lack of belief in the existence of God or gods.

Religion: 1. The belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, especially a personal God or gods. 2. A particular system of faith and worship. 3. A pursuit or interest followed with great devotion.

Faith: 1. Complete trust or confidence in someone or something. 2. Strong belief in the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual conviction rather than proof. 3. A particular religion 4. A strongly held belief

1. Atheism denies the existence of god(s). By definition 1, atheism is not a religion.

Atheists may believe that nature is "god," but god is not separate from us, nor is it supernatural in any way. The term "god" here is used quite loosely. God is everything, including you and I. We are part of "god," and in no way are humans supernatural. "God" is, for lack of a better term, an "interchangeable" word. The term "supreme" could substitute well in its place. Physical (or natural) law, in this case, is UNIVERSALLY supreme (having god like qualities) but these laws are not supernatural and are not worshipped.

We do, however, know that laws that can be formulated mathematically must be true, and dictate what can and cannot happen in our universe. Because these physical laws are a controlling power, it can present a challenge to this argument. But again, physical law is not worshipped by atheists (I don't know anyone who has ever prayed to E=mc2), and one cannot assume that it is supernatural or superhuman, as that would be a contradiction in itself.

2. Atheism lacks any particular system of faith and worship. According to definition 2, atheism is not a religion.

Faith presents a bit of a challenge here. Suppose an "atheist" has complete and utter trust and unwavering confidence in Ford pickups. If this person has complete confidence that this truck will last a lifetime and great devotion to this vehicle is shown, this person would not be an atheist by definition. This person would be something like a "Fordist." This may exist, but how likely is this really? Either way, this person does not present a challenge to atheism as a non-religion. Remember, according to the Oxford dictionary, both faith and worship need be present to be considered a religion. If either condition is missing, this person is still considered non-religious.

3. Atheism does not have a stance on any pursuit or interest followed with great devotion. So, an atheist could technically be religious, but atheism is still not a religion. Why? Because you cannot pursue a disbelief or lack of belief in the existence of God or gods. It's not possible. You have a belief or you don't. You could pursue why atheism exists fervently, but you still cannot claim atheism is the religion. If anything, your religion, in this case, would be something along the lines of "understanding atheism" or the "pursuit of understanding atheism."

This argument doesn't work for Christianity (or Judaism, or Islam) because the definition of Christianity is not just a belief, it's also an active endeavor. According to Oxford, Christianity is "the religion (the belief in and WORSHIP of a superhuman controlling power, especially a personal God or gods) based on the person and teachings of Jesus Christ, or its beliefs and practices." While you cannot actively pursue the belief that Jesus is real, you can actively worship Him through prayer, volunteering, attending church, etc.

At best, you can claim that atheists could be religious. Atheism as a religion is still elusive.

Your use of the Oxford dictionary is commendable, but you seem to be operating under the assumption that I'm claiming "atheism is a religion." That's not what I'm claiming.

Perhaps you should clarify matters for yourself by going back and reading what I actually wrote in the comment, and addressing it, rather than addressing something that I'm not claiming.

"Atheism is a philosophy/worldview that entails a basic RELIGIOUS belief?" But it is clearly not a religious belief. It is not a belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, especially a personal God or gods. nor is it a particular system of faith and worship nor a pursuit or interest followed with great devotion. Just because a belief deals with religion doesn't make it religious. Your premise is incorrect.

I think I see what might be the issue. We're using the adjective "religious" to mean different things.

I see your point...saying one way or another was a poor choice of words...what I meant was as an atheist, I don't believe in God or heaven and hell and don't believe in any other religion's perception of heaven or hell....not that it was irrelevant. I usually just stay out of those arguments....

Not all religions have gods