I think I get the the point.
Atheism can never become a religion, by definition. However the group which identifies as atheists does stand in danger of developing some of the more loathsome characteristics of a religion.
Blanket denunciations, prejudice, persecution complex, paranoia, hyperbole which becomes interpreted as fact, patronising superiority, all aspects found in spades among theists. However I've caught a few whiffs of it on this forum too.
Don't underestimate the power of community. Whenever a group comes together from a common belief (or lack thereof) themes start to develop. A sort of gestalt personality, a shared ethos. That's what can turn sour.
You have seen it many times in religious groups across the world. The sheer variety of these group personalities should be Testament to the fact that they arise from the group, not the core belief. That's why the "God hates fags" brigade and the christians who stand at gay pride marches wearing "We're sorry for hateful Christians" signs can exist. They may share aspects of their faith but their religion, their shared identity and values, are diametrically opposed.
An atheist group or community is just as vulnerable to that as a theist one. To think otherwise is, I suspect, the slippery slope to which diedre alluded. You won't ever make a religion. But you are vulnerable to the same pitfalls.
Atheism can never become a religion, by definition. However the group which identifies as atheists does stand in danger of developing some of the more loathsome characteristics of a religion.
Blanket denunciations, prejudice, persecution complex, paranoia, hyperbole which becomes interpreted as fact, patronising superiority, all aspects found in spades among theists. However I've caught a few whiffs of it on this forum too.
Don't underestimate the power of community. Whenever a group comes together from a common belief (or lack thereof) themes start to develop. A sort of gestalt personality, a shared ethos. That's what can turn sour.
You have seen it many times in religious groups across the world. The sheer variety of these group personalities should be Testament to the fact that they arise from the group, not the core belief. That's why the "God hates fags" brigade and the christians who stand at gay pride marches wearing "We're sorry for hateful Christians" signs can exist. They may share aspects of their faith but their religion, their shared identity and values, are diametrically opposed.
An atheist group or community is just as vulnerable to that as a theist one. To think otherwise is, I suspect, the slippery slope to which diedre alluded. You won't ever make a religion. But you are vulnerable to the same pitfalls.
"Peace is a lie, there is only passion.
Through passion, I gain strength.
Through strength, I gain power.
Through power, I gain victory.
Through victory, my chains are broken."
Sith code
Through passion, I gain strength.
Through strength, I gain power.
Through power, I gain victory.
Through victory, my chains are broken."
Sith code
