Mr. Hanky's post is right on. Not only is atheism not a religion, it's not like a religion. There's no atheist doctrine, no tenets, no rites or rituals or traditions to honor and uphold. All it is is a term that's shorthand for 'a lack of belief in gods'. That's it. Looking for some sort of deep meaning or value hidden within the term is missing the point.
That's not to say that atheism naturally leads to nihilistic hedonism. You'll find that many (most?) atheists are secular humanists or lean that way. But atheism in and of itself doesn't provide a path for one's life. You have to decide who you are, who you want to be, and live that way as best you can. That may sound scary, but it's actually very freeing. My actions are my own, and the consequences for them my responsibility. Any reparations I must make go to the people I hurt. Not god, not a church. I can't hide behind piety, but must stand or fall on my own. IMO, atheism is the mental/metaphorical equivalent of becoming an adult and moving out of your parents' house. It's the next step, culturally speaking, towards maturity.
That's not to say that atheism naturally leads to nihilistic hedonism. You'll find that many (most?) atheists are secular humanists or lean that way. But atheism in and of itself doesn't provide a path for one's life. You have to decide who you are, who you want to be, and live that way as best you can. That may sound scary, but it's actually very freeing. My actions are my own, and the consequences for them my responsibility. Any reparations I must make go to the people I hurt. Not god, not a church. I can't hide behind piety, but must stand or fall on my own. IMO, atheism is the mental/metaphorical equivalent of becoming an adult and moving out of your parents' house. It's the next step, culturally speaking, towards maturity.
"I was thirsty for everything, but blood wasn't my style" - Live, "Voodoo Lady"
