A religion has to have a set of specific practices that shape and define it and which its followers adhere too in order to be recognized as being part of that particular religion. For instance the clothing they wear, or the foods they eat. It might not always be readily apparent to an outside observer, but these differences and definitions are there among religions and the religious. As an atheist I don't have to follow any specific set of rules to define my atheism. I do not have to shave my head or let my beard grow to mark myself out as an atheist. I do not have to follow any doctrine, or read any book.
My point is that religion is a system of practices as much as it is a system of belief. But atheism isn't anything as complex as a religion. So comparing atheism to religion is missing the point on what religion actually is. Of course that is just my personal take on the matter, But I am not planning on building a temple to atheism any time soon.
My point is that religion is a system of practices as much as it is a system of belief. But atheism isn't anything as complex as a religion. So comparing atheism to religion is missing the point on what religion actually is. Of course that is just my personal take on the matter, But I am not planning on building a temple to atheism any time soon.
