The question of whether atheism qualifies as a religion is a complex one with arguments on both sides. From a biblical perspective, the key factors to consider are:
What constitutes a religion?
Traditionally, religion has been defined as belief in and worship of a supernatural controlling power. However, in a broader sense, it can refer to any set of beliefs, values and practices followed with devotion comparable to that of theistic belief systems. By this definition, atheism could potentially qualify as a religion depending on the fervor and adherence to certain atheistic principles.
Core tenets of atheism
Atheism is centered on rejection of the existence of deities. Beyond that core belief, there is significant diversity in how atheism is manifested. Many atheists simply lack belief in gods, while others actively deny divine beings. Some forms of atheism make positive assertions, like belief in science, humanism and naturalism. When paired with strong conviction and organizational structure, these additional beliefs may resemble religious practices.
Individual and organized atheism
It’s important to distinguish between personal atheism and collective atheist movements. Individual atheists may not consider their stance a religion if it is simply nonbelief in gods. However, there are atheist organizations and belief systems that exhibit qualities of religion, like shared worldviews, moral codes, rituals, clergy-like leadership and serious pursuit of converts. Prominent examples include Secular Humanism, Marxism and the Church of Atheism.
Parallels to religious practices
Some atheist groups or belief systems parallel conventional religions in the following ways:
- Organizational hierarchy and leadership roles
- Regular meetings functioning like religious services
- Rituals and practices like weddings, funerals and holidays
- Shared texts and literature as main guides
- Outreach programs to spread beliefs
- Legal protections like tax exemption offered to religions
These similarities lend support to the position that certain atheist systems qualify as religions, or at least share important attributes with them.
Supreme devotion and zeal
Some atheists display an intense commitment to propagating their worldview that is comparable to religious zealotry. Their atheism becomes the overarching orientation of their life. This level of fervor and single-minded adherence to abstract ideals mirrors that of dedicated religious followers. It suggests that atheism functions as a religion for these individuals.
Idolatry and objects of worship
While atheism rejects the worship of gods, some critics argue atheists often replace God with other objects of worship like money, pleasure or science. These become idols that gain supreme importance in their lives. The book of Romans condemns idolatry and warns that denying God leads to futile worship of created things (Romans 1:18-25).
Faith commitments
Atheists frequently characterize their worldview as faithless, based solely on reason and evidence. But absolute certainty about things like origins of life or lack of divine existence requires an element of faith. Committed atheists display faith that their position is correct and theistic explanations are false. This faith functions similarly as in religious belief systems.
Evangelistic tendencies
Most religions seek to spread their beliefs and win converts. Atheist groups like American Atheists have explicit evangelistic goals and engage in outreach quoting Bible verses like Mark 16:15. Their fervent desire to preach their doctrine and convert others mirrors evangelism in Christianity.
Exclusivist mindset
Serious religious devotees believe their worldview is right and others are wrong. Similarly, passionate atheists hold firmly that their nontheistic position is correct and that religious belief systems are false. This exclusivist posture is characteristic of religious viewpoints.
Anti-religion worldview
Atheism is defined in relation to religion – it is the absence of belief in gods. Much modern atheist activism focuses on critiquing religion, underscoring atheism’s religious connection. Critics note this makes atheism fundamentally reactionary and dependent on religion for its identity and purpose.
Functions as basis of worldview
For devoted followers, religions provide a framework for understanding reality and serve as the basis of their worldview. Atheism fills this role for committed atheists, offering a naturalistic worldview grounded in a belief there are no gods or spiritual forces. It acts as a comprehensive belief system.
Looking for meaning and purpose
Religions aim to provide meaning and purpose through relationship with the divine. Atheists seek out purpose through non-supernatural means like humanism, science, ethics and activism. For serious atheists, their worldview functions as the source of significance it gives to their lives.
Possible parallels to Christianity
Skeptics point out ways certain atheist belief systems and practices mirror Christianity, like having doctrines, sacred texts, houses of worship and figures serving as prophets or messiahs. This arguably demonstrates atheism can function much like a conventional religion.
Offering an explanation of origins
Religions provide followers with origin stories for how the universe and life came into being. Atheism relies on science and philosophy like naturalism to explain cosmic origins without divine involvement. This founding narrative is a key feature of religions.
Acting as community and identity
Religion provides a community and sense of identity for adherents. Being an atheist gives many people a strong sense of who they are and a community of those who share their worldview. This social and psychological role also characterizes religious participation.
Potential differences from religion
There are also important ways in which most forms of atheism differ from conventional religions:
- Atheism has no sacred texts or scriptures
- No belief in divine beings or the supernatural
- No faith in an afterlife or eternal destiny
- No worship of a higher power or forces
- No specific moral code or rules imposed
- Diversity of beliefs among atheists
- No formal ritual acts or ceremonies mandated
These distinctions reinforce that atheism does not automatically qualify as a religion, especially for individuals simply holding an absence of belief in deities. However, atheist organizations and belief systems with qualities paralleling religions may have a stronger case for qualifying.
Legal perspectives on atheism as religion
The legal system’s view of atheism’s status as a religion is mixed and evolving. Atheism is legally protected from discrimination as religious belief by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. However, courts have ruled atheism is not a religion for First Amendment and tax purposes. Overall, legal definitions focus on theological aspects like worship and faith more than general worldviews and communities.
Biblical commentary on atheism as religion
The Bible does not directly address whether atheism constitutes a religion. But Scripture associates denial of God’s existence and worship of anything other than the Creator as futile and sinful (Romans 1, Psalm 14). Men are condemned for worshipping created things rather than the Creator. This suggests that whatever one worships in place of God – whether it be science, pleasure or human ideals – functions as a form of idolatrous religion.
Conclusion
In summary, whether atheism qualifies as a religion depends on how religion is defined and which forms of atheism are in question. Casual atheism lacking organized belief may not amount to a religion. But for zealous atheists devoted to propagating their worldview, atheism may function largely like a religious faith. The fervency, exclusivism, evangelism and search for life’s meaning shared by these atheists mirror qualities found in religious devotees. At minimum, atheism for these individuals takes on important psychological and social attributes characterizing religion.
