Is Freethought a religion?
Yes, the functional definition of religion on which the NTCOF is predicated clearly includes Freethought. But it’s important to realize that this position incorporates the idea that “religion” is simply what people believe and think about questions that are generally understood to be “religious.” These questions have to do with the ultimate nature of reality, the meaning and purpose of the human condition, good and evil, and other matters. It is not necessary for people to believe in the supernatural, to suppress their doubts and questions, or to “have faith” in doctrines and dogmas for their ideas to count as legitimate religious opinion or “religion.” Even the courts have admitted this.On the other hand, if one defined religion as a fixed creed, Freethought would not qualify. But neither would Unitarian-Universalism (UUism), which also has no fixed creed. In fact, unlike Freethought, which supports a standard of critical thinking that excludes belief in god(s) on the basis of availab
