Can Atheism Itself Be Considered a Religion or Belief System

They do believe in something. Just because they don't believe in a supreme being, doesn't mean that they believe nothing. I'm sure that there are few Aethiests who don't believe firmly in Science. In fact, most probably lost their faith through scientific discovery.

But you just did call it a religion. "...a group of people who share the same beliefs."

I just wrote an extremely long response to your comment, and then lost it when I tried to post it. So here is the abridged version. I directed you to: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/religion and pointed out that according to definitions 2 and 3 and maybe even 6 that atheism can indeed be considered a religion. They can be grouped together by the definition of atheism which is something along the lines of dibelief in a god, or disbelief in a supreme being or beings. There are even books on how to practice atheism, doesn't that denote some sort of grouping?Another point is this: If I choose to not believe in a god or a supreme being but do believe in "something" I would still be grouped into the, faith, if you will, of atheism. When I am in fact, not an atheist.

“2 a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects: the Christian religion; the Buddhist religion. “ And “3 the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices: a world council of religions.” Key words, “set” and “practices” there are no sets of practices that Atheist follow or agree upon. They only hold one thing in common, the disbelief of all Gods and Deities. I will go further in to this in a minute. “6 something one believes in and follows devotedly; a point or matter of ethics or conscience: to make a religion of fighting prejudice. “ This in regards as a passion. As in, "I help my children with their school work, religiously." That has nothing to do with being religious, but determined, it’ means I am very passionate about helping them every night faithfully. To try and claim Atheism is a religion because of one idea they all share would also be the same as claiming Stay at home Mothers as a religion or Democrats is a religion. A religion contains, set rules, code of conduct, ritiuls and guildlines all must follow. You may have seen books on how to be an Atheist, but that isn't the same idea here. These books are more along the line as advise, not a set of rules. Again, IMO Atheism is not a religion, not even close.

Alright, alright, you got it!

Adrenochrome, if you come back to this post someday, I'm wondering if you can expand on that. About the misuse of the terms that is. That's interesting. If not what it is now, then what was atheism considered originally? My Thoughts: http://onthedaytoday.blogspot.com/

But isn't the rule and the point to follow just that, "Do not believe in a higher power." I mean, if you do, then you are no longer an atheist. So there is a rule and a point...right?

no I think Atheism is a lack of belief in higher power and you cant create a movement out of people who have a lack of belief in common. Would you try to create a movement out of people who say, don't believe in aliens, not watch TV or don't like peanut butter. Atheism is not a religion but you could say that it is a faith, only that faith is probably in evolution and science. that makes them scientists not religious.

Do you? Well its true, no matter what I can see it as a religion, with a practice or practices, and even followers. I say this because once you go against the cardinal law, you are no longer an atheist, you are no longer a part of the group.