Does Atheism count as a religious viewpoint?

[Hyena Dandy]

Raps:

I won't make the argument that Atheism counts as a religion (That's a whole different can of worms) but I will say that its at least a religious VIEWPOINT

I'm not saying its a religion. I'm saying giving any opinion counts against separating church and state. I feel that the government shouldn't endorse ANYTHING, religion or anti-religion.

[jackfaire]

Yes it does. Religious viewpoint means, "Viewpoint on religions"

No in and of itself it is not a religion. It is a viewpoint on them however. Any opinion about religion is your view point of religion.

[Rapscallion]

Define 'religious' first. For me, it means acceptance of a supernatural state of affairs as being the truth. Atheism is the unacceptance of a supernatural state of affairs. I don't consider it religious.

Put it this way, if atheism is counted as a religion, then everyone would be counted as 'religious'.

Rapscallion

[Nyoibo]

God is mentioned, God is a central figure in religion, therefore it is religious.

[Hyena Dandy]

Now, as those who are well acquainted with me know, I'm a huge supporter of the separation of Church and State. I've signed petitions to make sure that religious personalities (Reverends, churches, etc.) aren't endorsed on the sides of state-run buses. Many of my friends agree with me on this one. But recently one of my friends has been trying to get the phrase "God Probably Doesn't Exist, So Just Enjoy Yourself" on the buses.

When I explained I was against this, she said I was going AGAINST separation of church and state. But I say that I'm going for it. I won't make the argument that Atheism counts as a religion (That's a whole different can of worms) but I will say that its at least a religious VIEWPOINT. After all, its making a statement about a religious belief. The fact that its anti-religion instead of pro-religion doesn't change that. And neither does the inclusion of the phrase "Probably" in the adds. Even "Maybe" is a viewpoint on religion.

I feel separation of Church and State means that they have to be SEPARATED. Not that the state needs to be AGAINST religion.

Now, what a private bus company does and doesn't put on their buses is up to them. I'd be perfectly fine if a private company wanted to plaster their buses with religious iconography. Same with the corporate "Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays" dilemma, I think that's up to the store to say, because that's their private decision. But when the government is being represented, I don't feel that they should be making ANY statement on religion, for or against.