Are atheists evangelists?

[NoCapo]

Originally Posted by Arach Angle

you are not describing "atheism". Atheism is just a non belief. I know many believers that think we need separation of church and state. also groups of atheist can act just like a group of people with strong emotional ties to their belief.

Precisely! In fact, as I have pointed out quite often, Americans United for Separation of Church and State was founded by the Rev. Barry Lynn, a United Church of Christ minister. It is not just us god-less that see the dangers inherent in mingling religious faith and the coercive power of the government. In fact, most of the issues that we see believers using as "evidence" of persecution are direct results of this blurring of the line between the two. If civil marriage were clearly separate from religious marriage, gay marriage would be a non issue. If religious charities were not being used as government contractors, adoption by same-sex couples would not be an issue. The best outcome for everyone, religious and otherwise, is that religion is kept very separate from government. It protects both government from religion and religion from the government.

-NoCapo

[wolfloon]

Atheism is just a non belief in religion. Im no evangelist I personnally dont preach my views or lack there of to other people, I dont like being preached to, so why would I do it to other people?

[Vizio]

Originally Posted by dog8food

I know it is the purpose of some religions to persuade others (in some way) to join their religion. But what about atheists? As on these forums, I see professed atheists often posting arguments against religious folk, and I don't witness too much religious tolerance, actually. My only conclusions so far are:

1. Atheism is also a religion with its own sets of beliefs and guidelines (even books they adhere to such as scientific theories)
2. Atheists try to persuade others with their arguments, thus making atheists evangelists
3. Atheists wish to abolish other forms of beliefs, just as some religious people (like Islamists) do

I really don't see much of a difference, so I classify Atheism as a religion. Is this wrong? If so, why?

Many atheists are quite evangelistic regarding their worldview.