Atheism is a religion.

Yes true, there are many definitions for both "Atheism" and "Religion" however they are still all completely unrelated. If as you say, Atheism can also be defined as "the doctrine that there is no deity" then this is still totally different from all the religious definitions shown. You say that Atheism must require faith however if this is the case then it still doesn't fit into any of the religious definitions. For example even when we look at the religion definition of "A cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith" then Atheism still doesn't fit into this as Atheism does not deal with a cause or principle at all, unlike religion. We have to look at the whole definition here to make a comparison. I also notice that you are trying to pick and choose the best definitions to try and suite you so I will give more examples of how Atheism cannot fit into the definitions of Religion. Here are more definitions of religion, followed by reasons why they cannot go hand in hand with Atheism. "1. a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially 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." Atheism is indeed a set of beliefs (or lack of belief) in this case. However it does not deal with the cause, nature or purpose of the universe. It only goes against the religious ideas of the cause, nature or purpose of the universe. There is a big difference between Atheism and Science. Atheism does NOT consider a superhuman agency and most certainly does not involve devotional or ritual observances. Also atheism does not contain a moral code on how humans should behave. Therefore atheism cannot possibly fit into this definition. "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." Again atheism is not fundamental set of beliefs in respect to the origin of the universe. It does not make claims about how the universe started, it merely refutes religious theories on the subject. Also atheism holds no practices agreed upon by a number of persons. Again atheism cannot fit into this definition. "3. the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices: a world council of religions." It could be argued that atheists adhere to a set of beliefs in the sense of non belief however again, there is NO particular set of practices involved with Atheism at all. It is all independent in this respect. You see, even one word in the definition can discount the notion that Atheism is a religion. Without analysis atheism can easily, but wrongly be associated with these definitions. Lastly, "4. something one believes in and follows devotedly; a point or matter of ethics or conscience: to make a religion of fighting prejudice." Atheism absolutely does not follow a point of ethics or conscience, it is all independent in respect to these values. There is no atheistic law that states how a person must act, feel etc. Therefore atheism cannot fit into this definition. Source: (http://dictionary.reference.com...) "Theravada Buddhism" (Your point) Ah but you see this most certainly is a religion because it (according to your source) "follows the original beliefs and practices of the Buddha and the early monastic Elders". It is a religion because it follows certain beliefs and practices such as four stages etc. Atheism on the other hand follows no such system of practice. It is again merely "the disbelief or lack of belief in the existence of God or gods" with no rules or practices to follow. This is the different between a religion and a non-religion, as I have showed through the definitions. "THE RELIGIOUS TENDENCIES OF ATHEISTS" (Your point) Just because Atheists have meetings in churches does not mean that it is magically a religion now. 1) A few atheists church meetings still can't change definitions. 2) If they are just having sermons, talks and social interactions then those things aren't part of the religion definitions. There is still no practice or set of rules to follow which is mainly how the definitions separate atheism from religion. Taking all this into account, Atheism cannot possibly be a religion. I look forward to the next round.