atheist paradox

[Elok]

An xpost that short suggests that you had a much longer, reasoned refutation typed out, then said "no, I am not getting into this **** again," erased it all, put in those three words instead, and hit enter.

[Lorizael]

I never typed out the reasoned refutation and mostly just contemplated the likeliest branches the debate could go down instead, but yeah.

[Elok]

My preferred srsly version is "In this context, 'atheism' is equivocal. In the strict sense, it is a single negative statement, but it can also be used as a shorthand for frequently associated sets of beliefs such as modern western secular humanism, which include atheism as a prominent component. It is generally fair to compare the complex belief systems to a religion, though perhaps not useful, and I have never known the discussion that followed to lead anywhere interesting after such a claim was made."

[Lorizael]

For me it's... when people say atheism is a religion, they generally seem to mean that atheists are fervent believers in the "no god" thing and don't do well when that belief is challenged. Which, well, yeah, that's kind of how people operate in general. It's not really a religion thing.

[Kidlicious]

For me it's... when people say atheism is a religion, they generally seem to mean that atheists are fervent believers in the "no god" thing and don't do well when that belief is challenged. Which, well, yeah, that's kind of how people operate in general. It's not really a religion thing.

You are associated with the movement that you are a part of. Atheism is a movement. You are advocating for that movement, which is either a good or a bad thing (bad).

[rah]

But Kiddie diddling religions are good????????

And if you're trying to sound like your leader, use 'really bad'.

[The Mad Monk]

I am quite certain that Orthodox Christianity, at least, is a religion, and while we do have bells, I have never yet seen a whistle. Are there supposed to be liturgical whistles? That sounds like it'd get annoying very quickly.

Aztec liturgy, maybe...

[Aeson]

If a Catholic priest asks you to see the holy whistle ... RUN!

[Broken_Erika]

The best religions should have Bludgeoning Angels

[onejayhawk]

For me it's... when people say atheism is a religion, they generally seem to mean that atheists are fervent believers in the "no god" thing and don't do well when that belief is challenged. Which, well, yeah, that's kind of how people operate in general. It's not really a religion thing.

Challenged how? It's the definition. As noted above, there is a separate group for those to whom it does not apply.

PS Has no one heard of a pipe organ? Bells and whistles have largely been digitized recently, but the intent is there.

J

[Giancarlo]

Atheism isn't a religion and certainly not an organized religion.

And the best religion has spaghetti.

[onejayhawk]

They act like a religion. They dogma, seminaries, missionaries, etc. The major oddity is the lack of formal worship spaces. Their events are usually on college campuses.

J

[Giancarlo]

No. They do not act like a religion. Atheism simply isn't one. I fail to see how they act like a religion. They don't have organized leaders leading anything. Atheism is not organized. And what seminaries or missionaries? Are you kidding me?

[Proteus_MST]

Giancarlo speaks true

[Lorizael]

They act like a religion. They dogma, seminaries, missionaries, etc. The major oddity is the lack of formal worship spaces. Their events are usually on college campuses.

J

Yes, yes, we've all read about the Nacirema. You're very clever.