Atheism: Cult or a religion?

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**Atheism:

Religion or Cult?**

Defined as: “ 2 : a system of religious beliefs and ritual; also : its body of adherents
3 : a religion regarded as unorthodox or spurious; also : its body of adherents”

When I first began musing about this issue, I quickly dismissed “religion” as a possibility, given the necessity of a God or gods. On closer reflection I came to realize that they do recognize and serve several gods. Notably themselves and there “own superior intellects.”

One “must be” or so it seems, be exceedingly brilliant in order to regularly deflect, alter or redefine truth with the regularity that they are known for. I suspect this is a special calling one answers?

I must quickly point out what I share in this post is ONLY my personal opinion, and NOT necessarily that of the Catholic Church. Further, I stand outside the house of atheism, never having ventured in, and I can only glimpse through a dirty window into a dimly lit set of rooms.

Like others I am amazed at the positions put for by them. In so doing they sacrifice personal integrity, objectivity, openness to different and independent , and verifiably truthful thought, and more amazingly, there very own existence. [Oblivious to the notion: I think, therefore I am. And if “I am“, why and how?] They ignore the Universe, the uniqueness of the Human species who are both Physical Matter and Spiritual things [mind, intellect and freewill] as if this is a common and wholly natural occurrence in our Universe. There attempts to explain these spiritual attributes scientifically is simply astounding, in it’s reflective brilliance.

Choosing to ignore what they can’t explain. It takes a special kind if superior intellect to do this without doubts or even reflection. Quite amazing really. For example in our Galaxy which science tells us consist of BILLIONS of stars and planets, the only ONE that can be verified [yes I know it’s only been thousands of years; “give us time,”] to be able to support life, is Earth. Just luck of the draw I guess?

To hold to the “Big Bang theory” without explaining the origin of the stuff that went “BANG!” and to view the universes in all of it’s grander and consider it accidental or coincidental is a feat that can be accomplished only by a superior intellect.

I heard recently that about 15% of Americans [and growing] now hold to this atheist position. And here I thought “public education” wasn’t doing it’s job? Shame on me.:rolleyes:

This is an issue Christianity must learn to challenge effectively, to tolerate charitably [lest I be accused of not taking my own advice, I quickly point out that I avoided the “S” word, and sharing truth itself is a great charity].

At it’s core, atheism denies all truth, accepts the concept oft put forth that something is only wrong if I declare it to be wrong, don’t judge me and I won’t judge you. It is being taught, propagated by our educational system, and like a “free candy store” is being entered, and accepted by the most vulnerable amongst us. Those who [in all ages, past and present] “know more and know better“ than there elders. Those who have not been instructed on how to actually think critically, or think things through, and those, oh so eager to take the easy road now, many believing [or at least hoping] it’s there only option.

So friends in Christ how do we respond to this challenge?

The answer to the opening questions seems to be yes and both. Atheism is a cult following in that it seems to lack prudent judgment and thoughtful reflection, tending more to robotic type responses. It is a religion in that it worships self on the high altar of superior intellect. Which by the way, too is a spiritual thing.

Love and prayer’s

Pat
 
It is possible to make things your gods by loving them more than God.
 
It is neither, it is empty, a nothingness. Lonliness and desparity. Without God, it is simply nothing. A black hole.
 
Where’d you get your definition of “cult?”

To me, a cult is not only an erroneous religious belief, but one that is specifically manipulated by a person or very small group of persons such that the religious system provides them with power, money and prestige that they abuse to satisfy their own base appetites.

Unless Hitchens and Dawkins have a rather larger following than I think, I don’t see how atheism meets this definition.

I would call atheism a “religious wordview.”
 
**On closer reflection I came to realize that they do recognize and serve several gods. Notably themselves and there “own superior intellects.”**Well, there’s your first mistake. I’ve never met an atheist who recognizes his or her intellect as a god.

In fact, the atheists I know will be pretty quick to tell you that they don’t know everything, that they’re not perfect, and that they’re not gods.
They ignore the Universe …]
 
It is neither, it is empty, a nothingness. Lonliness and desparity. Without God, it is simply nothing. A black hole.
Says the guy who’s not an atheist. I can only speak for myself, but I’m not lonely or sad or desperate (“desparity”?), and neither are any of the wide variety of atheists I know.
 
I’ll start with a happy preface too. My opinions don’t reflect on anything at all, save what I’m thinking of at this time, as they are only my opinions. Other Atheists, Agnostics, Agnostic Atheists, Cheesians, and whatnot probably don’t hold the asme beliefs/thoughs as me, and I may contradict them (Or they me) so you’ll have to bear with me. I may contradict myself at some times, as my opinion may change over time. Also note, I’m not yet done grade school, so…yeah…bear with me.
When I first began musing about this issue, I quickly dismissed “religion” as a possibility, given the necessity of a God or gods. On closer reflection I came to realize that they do recognize and serve several gods. Notably themselves and there “own superior intellects.”
Well, I can say I don’t serve any gods, such as myself, or my superior intelect. I would like to think I’m smart, but I know I’m not really that smart…if I were, I’d be doing better in school. I’ve never worshiped, nor prayed to myself either, suprisingly.
One “must be” or so it seems, be exceedingly brilliant in order to regularly deflect, alter or redefine truth with the regularity that they are known for. I suspect this is a special calling one answers?
Shrug Well, and I would normally want to stay out of this subject, and will go a little more Atheist then I already am, some don’t think it’s right to look for truth in a 2000 year old book…no matter how popular it is…🤷
I must quickly point out what I share in this post is ONLY my personal opinion, and NOT necessarily that of the Catholic Church. Further, I stand outside the house of atheism, never having ventured in, and I can only glimpse through a dirty window into a dimly lit set of rooms.
I’ve never ventered into Catholicism either, I’m afraid, so I may not be that well versed in it, and such.
Choosing to ignore what they can’t explain. It takes a special kind if superior intellect to do this without doubts or even reflection. Quite amazing really. For example in our Galaxy which science tells us consist of BILLIONS of stars and planets, the only ONE that can be verified [yes I know it’s only been thousands of years; “give us time,”] to be able to support life, is Earth. Just luck of the draw I guess?
Well…considering that to verify it…and to verify it to what would be needed to verify it to people that believe that we’re the only planet with life on it, we would actually need to send a rocket ship to said planet, then back again with said life. Considering that we’ve only had space travel for 60(?) odd years, the closet star to us is 5-10 lightyears away…it may be a LITTLE difficult to actually proves life exists out there. However, I have heard a very good argument for life on Europa (A moon on Jupiter) and that they’re planning on sending a probe there to conferm it…eventually.
To hold to the “Big Bang theory” without explaining the origin of the stuff that went “BANG!” and to view the universes in all of it’s grander and consider it accidental or coincidental is a feat that can be accomplished only by a superior intellect.
To quote what other atheists have said here, is “I don’t know.” a viable answer?
I heard recently that about 15% of Americans [and growing] now hold to this atheist position. And here I thought “public education” wasn’t doing it’s job? Shame on me.:rolleyes:
Hey, it’s worse up here…you should count your blessings.
This is an issue Christianity must learn to challenge effectively, to tolerate charitably [lest I be accused of not taking my own advice, I quickly point out that I avoided the “S” word, and sharing truth itself is a great charity].
…Shaminism? Shabang? Scooter? Thoguh, if you wish to avoid saying it, by all means, do.
So friends in Christ how do we respond to this challenge?
By doing what you should be doing. Just living good, Christian lives, and set good examples for people, be nice and polite, warm, open, friendly…that kind of stuff. Not shoving it down others throats.

[To be continued]
 
At it’s core, atheism denies all truth, accepts the concept oft put forth that something is only wrong if I declare it to be wrong, don’t judge me and I won’t judge you. It is being taught, propagated by our educational system, and like a “free candy store” is being entered, and accepted by the most vulnerable amongst us. Those who [in all ages, past and present] “know more and know better“ than there elders. Those who have not been instructed on how to actually think critically, or think things through, and those, oh so eager to take the easy road now, many believing [or at least hoping] it’s there only option.
Hmm…I’m not sure qhere you are quite coming from on this one. I certainly haven’t seen Atheism, or Godlessness taught in my puplic school.
The answer to the opening questions seems to be yes and both. Atheism is a cult following in that it seems to lack prudent judgment and thoughtful reflection, tending more to robotic type responses. It is a religion in that it worships self on the high altar of superior intellect. Which by the way, too is a spiritual thing.
What of those who ‘un-convert’ themselves. I was reading this on a website (On how to convert these people BACK to Christianity) that it takes a lot of reflection, soul-searching, and such…it wouldn’t be a decisions people would rush into. So there are Atheists that have done so on a lot of self-reflection. Are their atheists that don’t care about religion? Sure. You could say though,that there are cradle Catholics who care just as much, and do no ‘reflection’ on their parts.
Like others I am amazed at the positions put for by them. In so doing they sacrifice personal integrity, objectivity, openness to different and independent , and verifiably truthful thought, and more amazingly, there very own existence. [Oblivious to the notion: I think, therefore I am. And if “I am“, why and how?] They ignore the Universe, the uniqueness of the Human species who are both Physical Matter and Spiritual things [mind, intellect and freewill] as if this is a common and wholly natural occurrence in our Universe. There attempts to explain these spiritual attributes scientifically is simply astounding, in it’s reflective brilliance.
I’ve never sacrificed personal intregrity…whatever taht means. If it means I have no morals…well, I’m one of the most uptight, morally concious teenager around (So much so that people have asked me what religion I was from, as I was so morally sound…and such. Yup…now lambaste me for me thinking I’m perfect…I don’t, but that’s just how others see me…). I’m always open to different things, and independint, truthfull thought. I don’t think we are that unique…do you know that the closest non-vertebre animal we’re related to is the seastar? Or that 50% of our DNA is the same as in a carrot? (I may be mis-remembering the carrot one…if not, some other vegtible). So, we’r really not all that unique. And our CHRISTIAN Comp Civ teacher, after reading us the story of Abraham, then showed us this really intresting video on how scientists think we came from the ‘Lucy’ thing, to us.

Anyways, I hope you’ve understood what I’ve said…I tried to be as fair and unattacking as possible…sorry if you took personal insult to anything I said.
 
=manualman;5930567]Where’d you get your definition of “cult?”

To me, a cult is not only an erroneous religious belief, but one that is specifically manipulated by a person or very small group of persons such that the religious system provides them with power, money and prestige that they abuse to satisfy their own base appetites.

Unless Hitchens and Dawkins have a rather larger following than I think, I don’t see how atheism meets this definition.

I would call atheism a “religious wordview.”
Defination from Merriam-Webster I could not find in in Father Hardon’s Catholic Dictionary.

As to your comments.

I wonder if Athesist condiser themselves to “religious” at all? Perveyors of a Worldly View seems to somehow fit my limited understanding of this complex theology.

Love and prayers,

Pat
 
I’m surprised Webster has such a loose definition for the word cult. I’ve alway found it a sign of lazy thinking when people define a “cult” to be “everybody with different religious beliefs than me.”

Another major problem with this thread is that “atheists” are simply car too varied a group to make sweeping statements about them. Many that I’ve come across in the past simply dismiss religious belief altogether and would become angry if you pointed out that this very stance was, itself, a religious belief.
 
It is hard for atheists to organize around a lack of belief. There is no First Church of Atheism, at least in my town. As a cult, probably not much of one, except for those who are all hot and bothered by the notion of God or religion.

I remember the Cycling Tour sketch from Monty Python sketch where a fellow is in a dream and traveling in Soviet Russia. He encounters some official who exclaims “Oh my lack of God!”. He also goes into the YMACA (Young men’s Anti-Christian Association).
youtube.com/watch?v=BuO274cd7Y0
 
I’m surprised that Atheist seem to be eager to participate in discussions relating to Catholism and Christinaty, but we have yet to hear from one on this string.

What if anything is that telling us? :hmmm:
 
I’m surprised that Atheist seem to be eager to participate in discussions relating to Catholism and Christinaty, but we have yet to hear from one on this string.

What if anything is that telling us? :hmmm:
Well…as it seems my entire two posts were ignored…

Catholicism and Christianity are related…I think, but…well, when I think of the word ‘cult’, I think of people in funny robes doing a ritual, or something 🤷 Kinda like from the Da vinci Code movie, the Priory of Scion? That’s the kind of thing I tihnk of as a ‘cult’
It is hard for atheists to organize around a lack of belief. There is no First Church of Atheism, at least in my town. As a cult, probably not much of one, except for those who are all hot and bothered by the notion of God or religion.
Yeah, we don’t have priests either, nor services…so, not much organization.
Another major problem with this thread is that “atheists” are simply car too varied a group to make sweeping statements about them. Many that I’ve come across in the past simply dismiss religious belief altogether and would become angry if you pointed out that this very stance was, itself, a religious belief.
Agreed…it would be the same as saying all Christians are the same (Including Mormons), there’s jsut so many different groups clustered in, that a statement cant be made for all of them…
 
I wonder if Athesist condiser themselves to “religious” at all?
No, we don’t.
Perveyors of a Worldly View seems to somehow fit my limited understanding of this complex theology.
What the heck is a “perveyor”?

Look, you are clearly trying to paint atheism as a “religion,” and it’s not. It’s a position – the position of not accepting the claim that gods exist.
I’m surprised that Atheist seem to be eager to participate in discussions relating to Catholism and Christinaty, but we have yet to hear from one on this string.
What if anything is that telling us?
It’s telling us that you have zero attention span, as no less than two atheists have made thoughtful posts already in this thread.

If you can’t be bothered to read the handful of posts on this thread, what hope do you have of figuring out whether atheism is a religion or not?
 
Agreed…it would be the same as saying all Christians are the same (Including Mormons), there’s jsut so many different groups clustered in, that a statement cant be made for all of them…
Just a quick point here: let’s be careful not to make the assumption that Christianity and atheism are the same kind of thing. They’re not.

Christianity is a belief. It’s the acceptance not only of one claim (that a god exists), but a host of other claims as well (that this god cares for people, that this god created the world, that this god incarnated as a mortal, that this god wants to “redeem” people, etc.)

Atheism is the lack of a belief. It is the rejection of one single claim (that any gods at all exist).

Consequently, calling atheism a “religion” or even a “religious view” is a mighty big stretch at best – and an outright lie at worst. It’s not even a belief, let alone a religion or a view, religious or not.
 
Just a quick point here: let’s be careful not to make the assumption that Christianity and atheism are the same kind of thing. They’re not.

Christianity is a belief. It’s the acceptance not only of one claim (that a god exists), but a host of other claims as well (that this god cares for people, that this god created the world, that this god incarnated as a mortal, that this god wants to “redeem” people, etc.)

Atheism is the lack of a belief. It is the rejection of one single claim (that any gods at all exist).

Consequently, calling atheism a “religion” or even a “religious view” is a mighty big stretch at best – and an outright lie at worst. It’s not even a belief, let alone a religion or a view, religious or not.
I am truly sorry you don’t believe in God, even though there is so much evidence to this. Perhaps you need to read the Bible and history of it all, then come to a conclusion because you won’t be able to. It is good to be here at these forums to see how there truly is God, and Jesus Christ. (who is God)
The Devil roams the earth too. I believe he keeps atheists from God, but only if you allow him.
 
Just a quick point here: let’s be careful not to make the assumption that Christianity and atheism are the same kind of thing. They’re not.

Christianity is a belief. It’s the acceptance not only of one claim (that a god exists), but a host of other claims as well (that this god cares for people, that this god created the world, that this god incarnated as a mortal, that this god wants to “redeem” people, etc.)

Atheism is the lack of a belief. It is the rejection of one single claim (that any gods at all exist).

Consequently, calling atheism a “religion” or even a “religious view” is a mighty big stretch at best – and an outright lie at worst. It’s not even a belief, let alone a religion or a view, religious or not.
Yes, I know…it was a very poor analogy, and I should of expanded it more…I was in no way saying that they’re the same…I was just using it as an analogy as the kind of ‘clumping’ of viewpoints are…
 
Atheism is a cult following in that it seems to lack prudent judgment and thoughtful reflection, tending more to robotic type responses.
So you think, that robotic type responses are a sign for cults and religions or do cults and religions lead to robotic type responses?
Either way, I somewhat like that approach. 😛
 


Atheism is the lack of a belief. It is the rejection of one single claim (that any gods at all exist).

Consequently, calling atheism a “religion” or even a “religious view” is a mighty big stretch at best – and an outright lie at worst. It’s not even a belief, let alone a religion or a view, religious or not.
I don’t follow. If you make the statement “there is no god” you have made a statement of your religious views. It is a positive statement of your belief that life is the result of accidental chemical and physical reactions rather than the gift of a Creator. Like or not, that is a statement of religious belief.
 
Just a quick point here: let’s be careful not to make the assumption that Christianity and atheism are the same kind of thing. They’re not.

Christianity is a belief. It’s the acceptance not only of one claim (that a god exists), but a host of other claims as well (that this god cares for people, that this god created the world, that this god incarnated as a mortal, that this god wants to “redeem” people, etc.)

Atheism is the lack of a belief. It is the rejection of one single claim (that any gods at all exist).

Consequently, calling atheism a “religion” or even a “religious view” is a mighty big stretch at best – and an outright lie at worst. It’s not even a belief, let alone a religion or a view, religious or not.
My dear friends,

I had surgery recently and am trying to deal with the resulting pain and meds. SORRY I missed a few post.:o

I greatly appreciate your williness to discuss the issue of beliefs.

So what is the foundation for the atheist position? Is it only intelectual, or is there some other basis?

Love and prayers, again, so sorry about missing the post.
 
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