the assertion that atheism is not a religion needs support really ok happy to oblige my support is the primary definition of religion offered by merriam webster's collegiate dictionary the service and worship of god or the supernatural i call this the primary definition though it does follow a highly technical one the state of a religious here is the example given for that usage a nun in her th year of religion here's more support our pew research source brackets atheists with those unaffiliated with a religious faith and here's even more support our cuny graduate center source brackets atheists with those identifying with no religion group all clear