By telling them that atheism is a religion Seriously, they really seem to get bent out of shape by that, based on the handful of atheists I have had discussions with. I just simply pointed out that atheism isn't a lack of belief, but rather a belief that God doesn't exist. You're still believing something either way. It takes just as much faith to not believe in God (something that can never definitely be proven) as it does to believe (something that can never definitely be proven). Either side can conjur up compelling evidence. So in the end, it comes down to what you believe.

And I just tell them it's a religion to get a rise out of them It's really more a belief than any type of organized religion. Personally, (changing topics here for a minute), I think religions are the downfall of mankind. I prefer to be more spirtual than religious. Yes, I believe in God and basic morality, but I rather not invent a bunch of nonsensical rules to live by and then try to force other people to adopt my rules. Which, actually, raises an interesting question. If you are religious, and really believe in your religion, is it because you were raised that way? If not, was there ever a point where you consciously decided you believed in the religion? Anybody ever change religions as an adult? If you are religious, is there any aspects of your religious doctrine that you choose to ignore because you don't believe in it?