Are there more Atheists that view their own beliefs as a religion or as a way of thinking and nothing to do with what religion plays as a role in their lives?
by 
MuslimYamaka
ANSWERS: 3
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I've known many an atheist, but I wouldn't presume to speak for what any of them believe other than to say that the only reliably common thread among them is that they don't believe in any deity. Not one of the ones I've known looks at this as a "religion" or "way of life" any more than a preference for oatmeal over grits. Anyone's beliefs, or lack of belief, is of course going to shape and influence their life, decisions, etc. But it's only religionists who seem to think that being an atheist *has* to be taking the place of religion in an individual's life or has to actually *be* that person's religion. Some people just don't need or want religion. Or god(s). I don't find it particularly difficult to understand, myself. And I'm not an atheist.
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Well, this question is worded a little weird, so I'm not sure I get it, but I'll say my piece anyway. . Atheism is a broad belief system - some atheists simply don't believe in God/gods that are seen as beings - some are totally nihilistic about any type of divinity. There's really no way to say which "type" of atheists are in the majority because it's not really like people are doing demographic studies to find the sub-categories of atheists. In the end, it is a belief, systematic or not; I think classifying it as "a religion" or "a philosophy" is difficult, but clearly people who are atheists believe there is no God, and that is a belief. In the end, everything boils down to belief and faith, and our beliefs/faiths effect every aspect of our lives.
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But, of course, man! All Atheists think of their views as 'beliefs', donchya know?
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