Re: Collective Delusion.
> Atheism is a religion in the same way that off is a TV Channel, Bald is a hair colour and not collecting stamps is a hobby.
"Worship" ("Worthy-ship") had the orginal meaning of "to kiss towards" - to what or whom do you give your ultimate allegience. It isn't about chanting or happy-clappy marlarky. Think more a vassel giving their service/allegience to a feudal lord. Everything they do is then in the service of their master. What do you put first in your life?
The question posed by religion is, "who do you worship?" or "to what do you give your highest allegience." Atheists are usually humanists, so they normally "worship" humanity (themselves or the collective) in that they put humanity or a human (normally themselves) first. Some atheists are animal-rights activists put non-humans first. Some might think that the stars are the key to life and so give the most credence to an astrologer who can let them know what is going on and what they should do.
When picking something/one to give your allegience to, I'd ask, "what are the values shown, expected and resulting?" and "what is your documented track-record and plan for dealing with the big problems I face?"
Biting the hand that feeds IT
