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Not usually considered to be a "religion", materialism is
an umbrella of many different systems of thought that understand the
world as it is now to be the only reality that matters for humans.
Adherents include atheists, secular humanists, pantheists and various
other forms in all countries of the world. Some adherents are
aggressively opposed to traditional religions. Some actively promote the
abolition of religion that takes seriously a divine being and a reality
beyond the perceived world and universe. It is estimated that over one
billion people express this outlook.
A note on use of the word "religion" regarding materialism. For the
purposes of this study all outlooks that give meaning to the lives of
adherents are included in the term "religious". It is a way to get all
viewpoints on the table for discussion. |