[expatguy]

And yet a supernatural being is not a requirement of a religion.

Can't I rightfully consider any set of beliefs that are pursued with a conscientious devotion a 'religion'?

Communism a religion?

[Torie]

Anything involving a priori assumptions that are not subject to the scientific method of evaluating has certain religious overtones.

[Ksnavely]

No communism is not a religion because it does not meet the following definition.

Dictionary: Religion - Belief in and reverence for a supernatural power or powers regarded as creator and governor of the universe.

Since communism does not believe in a supernatural Deity it does not fit the definition. That is why we call it a philosophy. There are in fact religions that are mistakenly called religions such as Buddhism or taoism which are actually more akin to philosophies because of their lack of a supernatural Deity.