(April 25, 2009 at 4:56 pm)Tiberius Wrote: but the fact is that all these groups have certain beliefs about the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, making them categorical religions.
Untrue. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion
Some do yes, but that isn't a pre-requisite of 'religion'.
(April 25, 2009 at 4:56 pm)Tiberius Wrote: Dawkins, quoting Einstein, says in the God delusion that he is a "deeply religious non-believer". His religion could be considered the awe-inspiring nature that science has revealed. Atheism on its own isn't a religion, but it doesn't rule out religion either.
I often consider an Atheists religion to be science, as you've put it. Like I've said elsewhere I just find the parallels interesting. I certainly don't seek to label & limit.
I think of religion as a bad thing. The religious do things 'religiously'. It's a duty for the sake of it. I have a Jehovah's Witness friend who lives his life to strict religious observances based on an idea that his acts will lead to a goal when he's dead. He's an amazingly nice bloke and very well respected. If this was what faith was about for me then I wouldn't bother. I'd be out enjoying myself instead.
