Is Theism a religion?
Is the simple belief that a God exists enough to be considered a religion, or is there more to it?
Yes, it is
Side Score: 5
|
 |
No, it isn't
Side Score: 20
|
|
|
|
|
3
points
Theism should be considered a religion. Why? Because non-believers often spend just as much time on (non)-religious activities as believers. Religion means believing in something. If believing in a god is considered a religion, believing there is no god is just as much of a religion. Side: Yes, it is
1
point
1
point
|
2
points
That, and deities are not a universal component of religion anyway. This said, it is quite rare for an individual to have belief in a god or gods without having more aspects of the belief system in place. Not impossible but rare. One could be forgiven for assuming that if another person believes in a God, they are religious. Side: No, it isn't
If there isn't a doctrine that involves certain rituals or practices then I woudn't refer to it as a religion. Theism, in practice, is a broad spectrum for beliefs in God, a god, a goddess, multiple gods or goddesses, etc. This beliefs doesn't inherently apply any rituals or practices, thus Theism isn't a religion. Side: No, it isn't
1
point
Theism is not a religion, anymore so than atheism, or pantheism, or polytheism, etc. While religions are typically connected to god belief, it is entirely possible to be religious and not theist (for example buddhist atheists, and believe it or not there are christian atheists), and it is possible to be theistic with no affiliation to religion. Side: No, it isn't
|
