I really had not considered the "Is atheism another religion" argument and the first four of the NCAA March Madness is underway I think I will pass.
Beside I have started taking prebiotic fiber supplements and I have already dealt with my quote of crap for the day....
Having said that it seems to me there is a difference between a religion and a belief system or a code for that matter.
But yes in the generic vernacular just about anything can be called a religion.
Yes I think by this definition I think that is possible:
re·li·gion
/rəˈlijən/
noun
noun: religion
the belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, especially a personal God or gods.
"ideas about the relationship between science and religion"
synonyms: faith, belief, divinity, worship, creed, teaching, doctrine, theology; More
sect, cult, religious group, faith community, church, denomination, body, following, persuasion, affiliation
"the right to freedom of religion"
a particular system of faith and worship.
plural noun: religions
"the world's great religions"
a pursuit or interest to which someone ascribes supreme importance.
"consumerism is the new religion"
Phrases
get religion — be converted to religious belief and practices.
Origin
Middle English (originally in the sense ‘life under monastic vows&rsquo: from Old French, or from Latin religio(n- ) ‘obligation, bond, reverence’, perhaps based on Latin religare ‘to bind’.
However this definition seems to focus on atheism as the antithesis in the believe in God or a supreme being with some murkiness IMHO, given it lists Paganism as a synonym and there are Gods praised in blots and sumbel:
a·the·ism
/ˈāTHēˌizəm/
noun
noun: atheism
disbelief or lack of belief in the existence of God or gods.
synonyms: nonbelief, nontheism, disbelief, unbelief, scepticism, doubt, agnosticism, irreligion, godlessness, ungodliness, profaneness, impiety, heresy, apostasy, paganism, heathenism, freethinking, nihilism
"the poet was accused of atheism and exiled"
antonyms: belief, faith
So, I say "potato/Patato."
But in the end I think Kurt Vonnegut sums up my take on all this best in Cat's Cradle -
“Live by the foma(Harmless untruths) that make you brave
and kind and healthy and happy.”
― Kurt Vonnegut, Cat's Cradle
I do lean toward a good Sumbel though...
After all the hailing, toasting, singing, poetry and drinking the odds of getting laid seem to swing in a Man's favor.
You might not remember it however, but it's the woman's "Blot" that counts....
Back to the playoffs.
-Joe