Atheism is not a belief system nor is it a religion
This is a common misconception that annoys me and I wanted to address it.[quote]Atheism is not a belief system nor is it a religion. While there are some religions that are atheistic (certain sects of Buddhism, for example), that does not mean that atheism is a religion. Two commonly used retorts to the nonsense that atheism is a religion are: 1) If atheism is a religion then bald is a hair color, and 2) If atheism is a religion then health is a disease. A new one introduced in 2012 by Bill Maher is, "If atheism is a religion, then abstinence is a sexual position."
The only common thread that ties all atheists together is a lack of belief in gods and supernatural beings. Some of the best debates we have ever had have been with fellow atheists. This is because atheists do not have a common belief system, sacred scripture or atheist Pope. This means atheists often disagree on many issues and ideas. Atheists come in a variety of shapes, colors, beliefs, convictions, and backgrounds. We are as unique as our fingerprints.[/quote][url=http://atheists.org/activism/resources/what-is-atheism?] ^ Sums it up nicely ^ [/url]
In summary atheism doesn't fit the definition of religion or a belief system:
- No unity/organized group
- No scripture/doctrine
- No leader
- No system of beliefs/values
- No rituals
Other stereotypes that are annoying
- Atheist have no morals
- Atheist are 100% sure God doesn't exist
- Atheist are responsible for the worst
atrocities (Stalin, Mao, argument etc.)
- Atheism is a trend
- Atheist are intolerant, there is a difference
between disagreement & intolerance
- Atheist have no purpose in life
- Atheist are depressed/unhappy
[b]I am not denying that their are bad atheist or extremist.[/b]