Can atheism be called a 'religion'?

Since an atheist rejects all forms of religion, I would say no.

I'd also say no. Btw, some philosophers distinguish two types of atheism, as follows:

1. Dogmatic denial of the existence of any god.

2. The view that "if there is a god, he is so remote from and indifferent to humankind that he is a complete irrelevance".

I'd be inclined to describe (1) as a plain assertion and (2) as an outlook on life and the world.

Do others have any thoughts on (2) beyond the obvious point that some Christians and others have gloomy moments where their feelings may have something in common with (2)?

Number two describes an agnostic: show me proof that God exists and I'll believe.

A strong atheist says 'I know there isn't a god' (Belief there is no god)

A weak atheist says 'I have never seen the slighest evidence that there is a god' (lack of belief that there is a god)

An agnostic is someone who doesn't know whether there is a god or not. (Uncertainity if there is a god or not)

Atheism is not a religion. It is a lack of belief, or disbelief in gods.

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Since an atheist rejects all forms of religion, I would say no.

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Not quite right. Some religions can actually be atheist in nature. Buddhism, I believe, is one such religion. A religion is "a set of beliefs, values, and practices based on the teachings of a spiritual leader". There doesn't actually have to be a god.

Atheism can be teemed up with a philosophy such as secular humanism (humanism isn't a religion because it is a non-spiritual philosophy.)

This question can be answered without recourse to detailed points of philosopy. It's all to do with hats.

Any religion worth its salt has a particular dedicated type of hat. Judaism has the skullcap. Sikhism has the turban. Christianity has a whole range (from the Pope's white cap to the Cardinals' duckbill hats and the hats with fruit on that old ladies wear to Church).

Atheists, on the other hand, have no consistent form of headgear. Ergo, atheism is not a religion.

I wear a tuque with a picture of Homer Simpson on it . What does that make me?

The statement that atheism rejects all forms of religion is patently false. The word atheist directly translates as without deity. As I was told by an atheist just last night, atheism doesn't discount the possibility of an after life, reincarnation or any other sprirtual path, it only discounts that there is a god in control of such things.

I myself am agnostic, but my father and little sister are both atheists, and would tell you that atheism IS a religion. But many other atheists would disagree. Their logic: religion can be defined as "A cause, principle, or activity pursued with zeal or conscientious devotion," (American Heritage Dictionary) and certainly atheism fits that bill rather well.

For that matter, I firmly believe that for many Science has been relegated to the position of religion. The average person who believes in evolution as a creation theory (which it isn't,) will walk about spouting it off as fact and truth, with only the books they've read to confirm for them their beliefs. They've been told everything they believe, and don't even fully understand the thing. It's no different for the average Christian, who believes in the biblical creation. (The average Christian I know, anyway, who hasn't even read the bible, but only knows what they do from their pastors...)

I would agree. Some people do treat evolution, or science in general, as almost a religion. Luckily very few scientists do.

The most important sentence in science is 'We don't know why (or how)'.