I ask this question in contrast to the “Is (A)theism A Religion?” question to see if the same logic applies.
Theism has one and only one belief. That a god or gods or super natural entities exist. Belief systems based on these assumptions are generally called religious world views, or religions. But is a single belief it’s self sufficient to quality as a religion? The belief either for (theism) or against ((a)theism) is still a single belief.
Most of the definitions of religion suggest that religions are systems, a complete school of thought. These types of systems of thought are often times referred to as world views. Neither theism nor it’s opposite (a)theism are systems as they have one and only one belief. However, many world views are based on each of these beliefs.
Theism is a belief “about” the nature of god so theism fits some of these particular definitions but not others. Which means many philosophies and intellectual inquiries “about” god would also qualify as religions per these definition.
Theism says nothing about the origin of life or the universe. Theism says nothing about morality or rituals or any actions of it’s followers. Although most/all theistic world views do. At least the bigger and more well developed ones do.
Theism fits none of the (a)theistic definitions of what a religion is.
I think very few if any religious believers would suggest that theism is a religion. But they are quick to suggest that (a)theism is a religion. This double standard becomes obvious when you place the two questions side to side as I have done here.
Many in the Christian Right say that (a)theism is a religion for political purposes, though they know better in their hearts and minds. What kind of message does this double standard suggest about their “Christian values”?