(03-20-2011, 08:28 AM)wtftwice Wrote: I always believed atheism was the absence of theism, which is the belief of a god.
Religion is a belief of some superhuman power or powers, atheism is the belief of no theism.
Atheism may be organized in some sense, but it isn't a "religion".
Definitions of religion on the Web:
a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny; "he lost his faith but not his morality"
an institution to express belief in a divine power;
A religion is a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a supernatural agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.