Originally posted by PuPuPlatter42
Religion:
A cause, principle, or activity pursued with zeal or conscientious devotion.
Is this definition complete? If so, I do not like it very much. I do not think it is good definition. According to my opinion, every religion is some kind of framework at the first place. A framework of thoughts, ideas and behavioral normatives based on certain beliefs, that further develops those beliefs but sets their limits at the same time.
God, on the other hand, is not the necessary condition of any religion. There is quite a lot godless religions around. Buddhism is the most notorious example. But some ideologies - like communism, for instance - are also religions from this point of view.
Atheism is not religion, because there is no framework. The sole content of atheism is the claim that there is not any god. And that's it. So if you just stick to this idea without seeking farther information, than atheism is just kind of belief.
But if you try to learn more, if you are open to new ideas and discoveries, than atheism is just a way of thinking – nothing more, nothing less.
Personally, I regard myself atheist, but being confronted with clear and logical evidence of some kind of Creator, I would embrace that idea quite happily (the rate of my happiness being relevant on the nature of this Creator – Judeo/Christian/Islamic God would not make me particularly happy, for instance). So my atheism is just a result of my observations and thinking, I am not dependent on it in any way. That’s the basic and crucial difference between religion and atheism. Yes, I oppose religion to some extent, because I came to conclusion that most religions are bad and do more harm then good, but I never say anything to anyone who is sincere believer and good, loving and sincere human being at the same time. Unfortunately, I know only very small number of such wonderful individuals. Most so called believers I know are hypocritical, judgmental, self-righteous and pretty hostile sometimes.