Is atheism a religion.

[Alto Reed on a Tenor Sax]

Originally Posted by Brad Gile

Your position seems absurd. The University of Wisconsin is a state institution. Would I be correct in deducing that you believe that the UW Religious Studies Program is contrary to the US Constitution and should, therefore, be abolished?

Brad

The stakes are a little higher in the public school scenario. Attendance is compulsory, and the young minds are more impressionable.

But yes, if the professor is making positive assertions as to the existence of God, there is a problem there. Again, the stakes are lower, because a student in that program has chosen the college, the program, and the professor. A student in a public grade school or secondary school has few, if any, of these choices.

[Griffin 1]

Originally Posted by The Drunken Actuary

Are there pro-golfers that doubt the existence of golf or the PGA?

There are probably some agolfers, and I wish they'd leave the schools alone.

[Griffin 1]

Originally Posted by Alto Reed on a Tenor Sax

The stakes are a little higher in the public school scenario. Attendance is compulsory, and the young minds are more impressionable.

But yes, if the professor is making positive assertions as to the existence of God, there is a problem there. Again, the stakes are lower, because a student in that program has chosen the college, the program, and the professor. A student in a public grade school or secondary school has few, if any, of these choices.

An opt-out would satisfy all of your stated concerns.

[The Drunken Actuary]

Originally Posted by Griffin 1

Some definitions of "religion" require only that faith be involved.

So people that don't believe in pink unicorns constitute a religion. Thanks!

[cubedbee]

Originally Posted by Griffin 1

Many religions contain singing too, but most schools have a choir.

Many religions contain praying to0, but most schools don't have prayer. So I get it. Theism and prayer are religions, singing is not.

Since discussions concerning what is or is not a religion can usually be traced back to discussions about what is and is not allowed by the First Amendment, legal rules play a part.

I'm pretty sure discussion concerning the nature of religion predate and are totally independent of the USA. And I'm certain that this thread has nothing to do with the US or the First Amendment, until you started posting. I think you're lost and in the wrong thread.

Originally Posted by The Drunken Actuary

Not any more than not believing in the existence of pink unicorns requires 'faith'.

Many things we consider "facts" require faith.

[The Drunken Actuary]

Originally Posted by Uma Karuna

Atheists don't worship anything, don't have rituals, and don't contrive explanations for the existance of the universe (outside of science, that is.)

Oh god, now you've done it.

[Griffin 1]

Originally Posted by cubedbee

I'm pretty sure discussion concerning the nature of religion predate and are totally independent of the USA. And I'm certain that this thread has nothing to do with the US or the First Amendment, until you started posting. I think you're lost and in the wrong thread.

I'm pretty sure that beyond applications of the First Amendment, very few people care one way or the other if atheism is considered a religion.

[Griffin 1]

Originally Posted by The Drunken Actuary

Oh god, now you've done it.

Clearly she hasn't read the atheist thread.

[The Drunken Actuary]

Originally Posted by Uma Karuna

Many things we consider "facts" require faith.

Of course. Just about all of them.

Did you do something to your other post?