Atheism as a religion?

[Modem Butterfly]

My partner attended the Godless Americans march in November of 2002, and after hearing Michael Newdow speak has become convinced of the wisdom of claiming that atheism is a religion. Apparently, Justice Rehquist has said that if atheists declared themselves a religion, we would be entited to some of the benefits accorded to religion (there is no test in the constitution for a "religion", hence, the Scientologists are tax-exempt). Personally, the idea of declaring atheism a religion kind of turns my stomach. He thinks this would be a good way to gain some sort of equal-protection status in the law, plus it cuts the legs out from under the theists who are forced to argue that their invisible friend is bigger than our... nothing.

What do you all think?

[immoderate]

1. My initial reaction is no.

If atheism is a religion, then it could just as easily be banned from schools. We don't need protections. Atheist organizations that are non-profit are not taxed. It will do nothing to theists who already consider us a religion. It would be dishonest, too, and that is our greatest advantage: truth.

Calling atheism a religion is like calling bald a hair color.

--IMM

[Modem Butterfly]

2. I agree with you

It makes my skin crawl every time he advances this argument. But on the other hand, every time he advances this argument in public, it really messes with the xians minds. And he seems to really enjoy that.


Heck, I really enjoy watching it happen.


I guess it would be worth the discomfort just to watch AA lobby for faith-based charity dollars.

[immoderate]

3. Newdow does have a talent for pissing them off.

There may be some way that we can get some of their perks, But I would rather see the "wall" reinforced.

There are non-religious charities that get money from the government, but you have to provide services. They are supposed to provide services with their grants too.

--IMM

[Metatron]

4. I disagree with the Justice.

What kind of equal protection is he talking about? On a Constitutional level we are already protected. On a society level, some religious people will always view us as second-rate. Although if it would get the word "god" off our money and out of our pledge, I would be willing to reconsider.
:evilgrin:

[SlackJawedYokel]

5. All hail the Invisible Pink... er... HYPNOTOAD!

Personally, the idea of declaring atheism a religion kind of turns my stomach.
Oh, but think of all the *fun* we could have with it!!
The *religious holidays*!
The *RITUALS*!
Oh man... the possibilities are absolutely endless.

He thinks this would be a good way to gain some sort of equal-protection status in the law, plus it cuts the legs out from under the theists who are forced to argue that their invisible friend is bigger than our... nothing.
Sure, why not?
Anything to piss of the theists, I say!
lol

Cletus

[fshrink]

6. Come to papa...

Four lights! They just want to make us believers, even in nothing.

[leftofthedial]

7. the pragmatic legal and tax consequences might make it wothwhile

but this is a common superficial argument of believers when they attack atheism.

Creationist morons and the equally stupid intelligent design crowd also use this exact argument to attack science.

[BlueEyedSon]

8. Exactly, it would be a legal construct. And a funny idea!

[leftofthedial]

10. we could have a late night cable show

with a revival tent atmosphere and lots of bad hair, wigs and grotesque makeup, on which we don't heal anyone and we don't preach, but we do tell people that if they send us money that they won't go to heaven as long as they don't believe

Operators are standing by.

[rexcat]

9. I am willing to become the

High Priest of Atheism! On the other hand the thought of Atheism labeled as religion just makes my skin crawl.

[Pithlet]

11. I don't like it.

I bristle when I hear things like "Science is just another religion", and I'm afraid that anything secular, like science, will be lumped in with atheism if it is declared a religion. I don't like the precedent that would set. Besides, it is *not* a religion. I have nothing against establishing local community activities for atheists. In fact, I would love it. I feel bad that my family and I miss out on a lot because just about everything involving the community involves church, it seems. I don't think we have to officially declare ourselves a religion in order to do that.

[muriel_volestrangler]

12. Derivation of 'religion': Latin 'religare' to restrain, tie back

I'd rather point out that atheism is about people having freedom, rather than being tied to dogma.

[robbedvoter]

13. Wisdom? "We are a Judeo-Christian nation. If you are not, you have

TO PAY THE PENALTY falwell on faux - yesterday I think - as aired on majority report.
They need to box you in their cathegories before they flush ya. Don't play their games...

[Cleita]

14. I think if these people are getting tax breaks,

we should too. I always thought we could have a community that meets to discuss spiritual writings. I mean I subscibe to Parabola, a magazine that explores all sorts of religious thought, not just one. I do it more to get ideas for my fantasy stories, but I think it's valid to explore all religious thought as a religion. Just because atheists don't have a specific doctrine doesn't mean we can't form a religion to be seekers of the truth by dissecting all religious beliefs that have come before us.