Reality Check: Exposing Specious Anti-Religious Arguments

"RELIGIONS ARE JUST ANOTHER FORM OF SUPERSTITION."

This is not only a stereotype but a misuse of the term.

Many atheists and anti-religious people use the term 'supersition' as a general all-purpose smear against faith. Their use of this word is such that many display a clear lack of understanding about the religions they berate, as well as the true meaning of "superstition" itself.

Outside of atheist use, superstition is defined as beliefs that certain actions and circumstances not logically related to events affect their outcomes.
An example of this is the belief if a black cat walks in front of oneself, bad luck will follow.
A common misconception believed by many atheists is that all religious people--especially those of the Abrahamic faiths--attend worship services believing that God will protect or bless them for doing so.
However, in religions such as Judaism and Christianity, there are many passages which strongly remind the faithful that ritualistic observance is only symbolic--that the point is not to worship or fast just to gain God's favor, but to give mercy and justice to others.

"You need to realize that when you dismiss something that is a huge part of my life as 'nonsense' or 'superstition,' it hurts. You drive a wedge between us when that happens."
- "Poyemkyn," from the Ornery American forums