Evidence for a Lack of Religious Belief:
* Holmes's scientific approach: He is portrayed as a staunch believer in logic and reason, often dismissing anything he cannot explain scientifically.
* Lack of religious references: There are very few mentions of religion in the stories, and when there are, they tend to be casual or dismissive.
* Holmes's skepticism: He is known for his skepticism and often questions accepted truths, which might suggest a lack of faith in traditional religious beliefs.
However, there are some possible hints that might suggest otherwise:
* Holmes's morality: While he is not a devout religious figure, he does display a strong sense of morality and justice.
* Holmes's respect for tradition: There are instances where he shows respect for tradition, which could be interpreted as an underlying respect for religious customs.
Conclusion:
Based on the available evidence, it's likely that Sherlock Holmes was not a practicing member of any organized religion, but he wasn't necessarily an atheist either. It's more likely he was a deist or agnostic – someone who believes in a higher power without adhering to any specific religious dogma.
Ultimately, Holmes's religious beliefs are left open to interpretation by the reader, adding another layer of mystery to his complex and fascinating character.