Atheism a Religion?
 

I recently heard again Michael Newdow refer to atheism as a religion. It seems that he is misusing or redefining religion. The reason? He argues that equality of religions is the legal reason for removing "God" from any and all government in the US....

For example, saying Jesus would be unfair to Muslims etc etc....

God though is pretty much accepted by all religions, so to get rid of God there has to be a religion that does not believe in God...

Religion though includes belief in the supernatural. lol...it's incredible to hear atheists call atheism a religion

Actually I agree. Atheism provides answers to the 'ultimate questions' of life. It answers how we know what we know, what is real, what is correct behavior, and the origin and finality of life. Sounds like a religion to me.

I've heard preachers call it a religion, and I've heard preachers complain when atheists call it a religion. Sigh. (Not the same ones, far as I remember, but still.... Sigh.)

Sounds like a philosophy

Religion

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: to make a religion of fighting prejudice. 7.religions, Archaic. religious rites. 8.Archaic. strict faithfulness; devotion: a religion to one's vow.

Philosophy
1.the rational investigation of the truths and principles of being, knowledge, or conduct. 2.any of the three branches, namely natural philosophy, moral philosophy, and metaphysical philosophy, that are accepted as composing this study. 3.a system of philosophical doctrine: the philosophy of Spinoza. 4.the critical study of the basic principles and concepts of a particular branch of knowledge, esp. with a view to improving or reconstituting them: the philosophy of science. 5.a system of principles for guidance in practical affairs. 6.a philosophical attitude, as one of composure and calm in the presence of troubles or annoyances.

So can Religion be man's attempt to find answers provided by the wisdom and nature of God and Philophosy be men's attempt to find answers provided by the wisdom and nature of man?

Except it answers the question of life origins(creation) and the end state of man's exsistence. It also has it's own view of God.......

There really is no diference between philosophy and religion as they both attempt to answer the same questions.