Could modern atheism be classified as a new religion? If so, what fundamental tenets of atheism define it as a religion?

Atheism Is A Religion, Copyright RCR

The issue of defining Atheism as a modern religion has both philosophical and legal dimensions.

While atheism traditionally presents itself as a lack of belief—specifically, the absence of belief in God or gods—there is a growing argument that modern atheism, particularly in its activist forms, shares several characteristics with what could be considered a religion. The following is a comprehensive and documented exploration of this issue.

Definitions of Religion: How Do We Classify a Religion?

The classification of a belief system as a religion is based on definitions, both philosophical and legal. Here’s how religion is commonly defined:

Webster’s Dictionary Definition of a Religion:

“A cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith.”

The Oxford Dictionary:

“A particular system of faith and worship; a pursuit or interest to which someone ascribes supreme importance.”

A Decision By The U.S. Supreme Court

In Torcaso v. Watkins, 1961, The Court recognized “secular humanism” as a religion, stating that religions are “systems of belief and devotion,” even if they are non-theistic.

Anthropological Definitions:

• Clifford Geertz: “A system of symbols which acts to establish powerful, pervasive, and long-lasting moods and motivations… by formulating conceptions of a general order of existence.”
• Ninian Smart: Defined religion by dimensions, including doctrinal, mythological, ethical, ritual, experiential, social, and material.

By the above definitions, belief in a deity is not a required component of religion.

Fundamental Tenets of Modern Atheism

Modern atheism, particularly the New Atheism movement (championed by Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, Daniel Dennett, and Christopher Hitchens), extends beyond personal disbelief into a structured worldview with its own doctrines and mission.

Core Beliefs and Doctrines:  Metaphysical Naturalism: The belief that the material universe is all that exists—there is no supernatural realm. Scientism: Science is considered the only reliable path to knowledge and truth. A Rejection of Theism: A fundamental disbelief in God or gods and rejection of supernatural explanations. Secular Humanism: Often associated with atheism, this asserts that humans are capable of morality and self-fulfillment without belief in God.

Ethical Framework

Moral Relativism or Consequentialism: Ethics are often based on human reason, societal consensus, or outcomes rather than absolute moral laws.

Human Rights as Inherent: Atheists often argue for universal human rights grounded in human dignity, though the grounding of these rights is often debated philosophically.

Rituals and Practices

While lacking formal ritual worship, there are: Gatherings (e.g., atheist conventions, Sunday Assemblies). Ritualized debates and public critiques of religion. Commemorations of atheist thinkers and scientists (e.g., Darwin Day).

Evangelism and Apologetics

Atheists active evangelization, often aiming to convert believers to atheism. Atheist apologetics: Books, debates, podcasts, and media content designed to defend atheism and critique religious beliefs.

Sacred Texts and Authorities

Influential texts: The God Delusion (Dawkins), God Is Not Great (Hitchens), The End of Faith (Harris). Authorities: Revered figures whose works are often cited as definitive (akin to theologians or prophets in religion).

Why Modern Atheism is considered a Religion

Atheists have a comprehensive worldview: Modern atheism answers ultimate questions: Origins: How did we get here? (Evolution, cosmology). Meaning: What is our purpose? (Self-defined, personal fulfillment). Morality: How should we live? (Secular ethics, humanism). Destiny: What happens after death? (Non-existence).

These parallels are strikingly similar to religious worldviews, except they operate without reference to a deity.

Faith in Unprovable Assumptions of Atheism

Atheism often relies on metaphysical assumptions that cannot be empirically proven, such as: Materialism: The belief that only the physical exists. Uniformity of nature: Necessary for scientific inquiry but philosophically assumed. Objective morality without a divine lawgiver.

Atheism Has A Shared Identity and Community: Atheists often form communities, creating a sense of belonging and solidarity, fulfilling a sociological function of religion. Some modern atheists participate in rituals that resemble religious ones, e.g., atheist “churches” and gatherings.

Atheists, Evangelism, and Intolerance

Certain forms of militant atheism exhibit dogmatism, intolerance of dissent, and proselytizing zeal, traditionally associated with religion. Campaigns against religious displays (e.g., nativity scenes, crosses) resemble a missionary effort to establish a secular orthodoxy.

Legal Precedents Defining Atheism as a Religion

Several U.S. court decisions recognize atheism as functionally equivalent to a religion for legal purposes.

Torcaso v. Watkins (1961): The Supreme Court held that government cannot prefer theistic religions over nontheistic religions, recognizing secular humanism as a religious equivalent.

United States v. Seeger (1965): The Court broadened the definition of “religious belief” to include sincerely held moral and ethical beliefs, not confined to belief in a deity.

Kaufman v. McCaughtry (2005): A federal court ruled that atheism is a religion protected by the First Amendment, guaranteeing the right of an inmate to form an atheist study group.

The Religion of “No Religion”

Atheism as a Belief in Non-Belief:  Atheism often replaces traditional religion with ideological adherence to: Science as savior. Reason as the ultimate authority. Humanity as its own moral compass. This creates a functional religion, in that it structures life, provides meaning, fosters community, and offers ultimate answers, even without supernatural belief.

The Conclusion: Atheism Can Be Classified as a Religion

While classical atheism (the simple absence of belief) may not qualify, modern atheism, especially as practiced by New Atheists and secular humanists, fits many criteria used to define a religion: Beliefs about ultimate reality; Ethical and moral systems; Communities of belief and practice; Evangelism and apologetics; Legal recognition in some jurisdictions.

In effect, atheism has evolved into a religion of non-religion, offering faith in science, hope in human progress, and community among the like-minded.

• Impeaching The Assertion: “If God is both all-knowing and the Creator of all, you don’t have free will.”
• Impeaching The Claim That God Has No Scientific Basis
• 125 Biblical Laws That Are The Foundation Of Our Legal System
• What Is The Difference Between Biblical New Testament Christianity And Man-Made Religions Of The World?

See Rob’s New Book That Impeaches The 21 Primary Arguments of Atheists: “New Testament Apologetics.”

Sources:

1. Richard Dawkins, The God Delusion (2006).
2. Sam Harris, The End of Faith (2004).
3. Christopher Hitchens, God Is Not Great (2007).
4. Ninian Smart, The World’s Religions (1989).
5. Clifford Geertz, The Interpretation of Cultures (1973).

U.S. Supreme Court Decisions:

1. Torcaso v. Watkins, 367 U.S. 488 (1961).
2. United States v. Seeger, 380 U.S. 163 (1965).
3. Kaufman v. McCaughtry, 419 F.3d 678 (7th Cir. 2005).

Categories: Robert Clifton Robinson

Tags: Atheism, Atheists objections to Christianity, Christianity v Religion, Freedom of Religion, The failure of religion, What does atheism offer?