Concept

Atheism and Religion Are Not Contradictory

At first glance, the combination of atheism and religion might appear contradictory. However, upon closer examination, this is not the case.

Atheism and Gods

We identify as atheists because we do not believe in gods as independent agents. However, gods exist as cultural entities and worldview constructs, created by humans (or more generally, living beings) and hold influence over their lives.

Religion as a Lived Philosophy

Religion is, among other things, a cultural space where existential questions can be posed and attempts at answers can be developed. We also view religion as a lived philosophy, one that engages with human existence and life in the world. Religion provides worldviews and practices that extend beyond the everyday and offers opportunities for reflection and contemplation, for instance through celebrations and rituals.

Religion in Cultural Context

In many cultures, religion is equated with theism (especially, belief in a creator god), particularly due to the influence of Christianity. However, Buddhism, for example, demonstrates that religion does not necessarily need to include theistic concepts. We appreciate

Legal Recognition

EU Directive 2004/83/EC explicitly defines religion as “theistic, non-theistic, and atheistic beliefs.” This directive acknowledges that religion can take many forms, including atheistic convictions.

Conclusion

Atheism and religion are not mutually exclusive. An atheistic religion is possible.

Purpose and Activities of the Atheist Religious Society

Equality and Religious Participation

  • Legal Framework: In Austria, the rights and duties of religious communities are governed by state religious law. The Atheist Religious Society aims to be legally recognized as a religious denominational community in order to achieve full equality.
  • Religious Practice: Our goal is to realize religion as practical life support, for example, through atheist religious care (atheistische Seelsorge) according to our own understanding and in various cultural spaces. This includes atheistic interpretations of the world, the search for meaning, narratives, and rituals.

Societal Aspects

  • Religious Landscape Shift: Austria has long been predominantly Roman Catholic. However, through immigration and cultural exchange, the religious landscape has become more diverse. The number of people officially without a denomination (“no religious affiliation”) is growing, and within religious communities (regardless of their legal status), there are differences between official doctrines and the beliefs of their members. A certain level of secularization within Austrian society is indeed a step toward greater freedom(s).
  • Active Participation in Discourse: As atheists, we actively engage in the religious discourse and in the societal negotiation of what is perceived and practiced as religion today. We aim to make societal changes more visible and to open up new spaces for cultural participation.

Legal Aspects

  • Legal Basis: Since 1998, the Denominational Communities Act (Bekenntnisgemeinschaftengesetz) regulates the legal status of state-registered religious denominational communities that are not yet legally recognized. The Atheist Religious Society is currently striving to achieve the status of a state-registered religious denominational community (staatlich eingetragene religiöse Bekenntnisgemeinschaft).
  • Long-Term Goals: In the long run, we aim for recognition as a legally recognized religious society (gesetzlich anerkannte Religionsgesellschaft). According to the law, this will require approximately 18,000 members (0.2% of the population).

We hope to contribute to supporting atheists in living their individual lives in freedom and community. To this end, we also seek to develop a broad range of religious care services.

Updated on 22 September 2024.

This post is also available in: Deutsch (German)