[EDIT: Sorry, I had a computer glitch here yesterday apparently.]
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Originally Posted by dictionary.com
1. a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, esp. when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.
2. a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects: the Christian religion; the Buddhist religion.
3. the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices: 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.
6. something one believes in and follows devotedly; a point or matter of ethics or conscience: to make a religion of fighting prejudice.
7. religions, Archaic. religious rites.
8. Archaic. strict faithfulness; devotion: a religion to one's vow.
—Idiom
9. get religion, Informal.
a. to acquire a deep conviction of the validity of religious beliefs and practices.
b. to resolve to mend one's errant ways: The company got religion and stopped making dangerous products.
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I did not post all of the definitions as a space saver, not because they do not support my argument. Let's go through them.
1. applies to atheism
2. applies to atheism
3. applies to atheism
4. applies to atheism
5. This one may not. One might argue that a practice like education or work would qualify, but let's say it doesn't. I concede this definition.
6. applies to atheism
7. I don't fully understand this definition. Let's say I concede it too.
8. applies to atheism
9.
a.applies to atheism
b.applies to atheism
So two of these wordings don't apply to atheism, but seven do. I'd say this is good initial evidence to support that atheism is a religion, but let's continue to explore the topic.
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Originally Posted by willravel
Atheism isn't a fundamental belief, it's an evolving understanding. It's neither uniform nor unchanging.
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Neither is religion. My religion is not unchanging or uniform. Many people express it in their own ways, but they all take on a common name. Mine changes with me on a daily basis, because I change on a daily basis. It is my own evolving understanding.
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Originally Posted by willravel
The term atheism is actually not dissimilar from terms like "pagan" or "gentile" wherein it refers to a person for what they are not instead of for what they are.
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The difference between the term atheist and the terms pagan or gentile is that the latter two were invented by people who belong to a certain religion to describe those outside it. I hear many atheists describe themselves as being atheist. It is a word for a certain belief, not a lack of one. Of course, that entire argument is simply a matter of perspective.
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Originally Posted by willravel
An atheist disbelieves in a supreme being. That's hardly a doctrine or "set of beliefs", and we have no necessary actions to accompany our understanding.
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Let's define doctrine too. I'll use all the definitions this time.
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Originally Posted by dictionary.com
doc·trine /ˈdɒktrɪn/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[dok-trin] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun
1. a particular principle, position, or policy taught or advocated, as of a religion or government: Catholic doctrines; the Monroe Doctrine.
2. something that is taught; teachings collectively: religious doctrine.
3. a body or system of teachings relating to a particular subject: the doctrine of the Catholic Church.
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Your statement is self-contradictory. You claim that atheists have no doctrine, though many share the same one. The doctrine of science. I'll immediately concede that this is not a bullet-proof argument, but I know one doctrine that all atheists agree on without exception, for it is the very definition of being atheist, as you said. "There is no God." As you put it, "An atheist disbelieves in a supreme being." Not only is this a central belief to all atheists, but many are quite vocal about it and want to convert others to their religious beliefs.
That about wraps it up for me I guess. *whew* If I had said that out loud, I'd need to catch my breath.