Posted by bad_luck on 12/14/2012 1:47:00 PM (view original):
"I believe there is life on other planets. That is an idea about the nature of the universe. Is that a religious idea?"
According to the definition of religion, yes
I wasn't aware that there is only one broad definition of religion and that it includes the belief that there could be life on other planets. I think most people would disagree with a definition so broad that it classifies X-Files as church.
This is ridiculous. You are taking half of the first definition (out of 5) and claiming that THAT is the one and only definition of religion, anything that meets that partial definition is absolutely a religion, and all of the other considerations don't matter.
You are an idiot.
re·li·gion
[ri-lij-uh?n] Show IPA
noun
1.
a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose ofthe universe, especially when considered as the creation of asuperhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional andritual observances, and often containing a moral code governingthe conduct of human affairs.
2.
a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generallyagreed upon by a number of persons or sects: the Christianreligion; the Buddhist religion.
3.
the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs andpractices: a world council of religions.
4.
the life or state of a monk, nun, etc.: to enter religion.
5.
the practice of religious beliefs; ritual observance of faith.
I posted this earlier. #3 could be loosely interpreted as athiests.
They believe, as a group, that there is no higher power. Just because they don't build a meeting place and gather to read from the Book of Heathens doesn't mean they're not a "religion" of sorts. Hell, meeting and reading from a book could be a book club.
Not that I care or have really put much thought into atheism as a religion. But I wouldn't argue with anyone if they said "My religion is atheism." I might look at them a bit oddly but I wouldn't care how they classify themselves. Pretty much the same with Christians, Mormons, Buddhist, whatever. Doesn't matter to me.