In the fourth definition: a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith, Evolution certainly qualifies.
Statements which say 'the fossil record shows the evolution of forms' are disingenous at best. They show an apparent succession of forms, with the assumption that those forms are derrivative of earlier forms, and that later forms are somehow more advanced.
The connection between different species is inferred by morphological similarities, and the stratigraphic and geospatial relationships, but by no means is evolution shown by the fossils, instead, it is a conclusion drawn from the fossil assemblages, and defended with religious fervor by its adamant proponents.
For those who hold this belief dear, the denigration of Christianity, Islam, Judaism, or any other belief structure is done with the fervor of zealots who are decrying the beliefs of a competing belief structure.
So, frankly, when evolutionists decry Christianity, for instance, especially when they assume the absence of a God, they are merely expressing different religious beliefs, no matter how "reasoned" these beliefs claim to be.
Source: Merriam-Webster online Dictionary Main Entry: re·li·gion Pronunciation: ri-'li-j&n Function: noun Etymology: Middle English religioun, from Latin religion-, religio supernatural constraint, sanction, religious practice, perhaps from religare to restrain, tie back -- more at RELY 1 a : the state of a religious b (1) : the service and worship of God or the supernatural (2) : commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance 2 : a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices 3 archaic : scrupulous conformity : CONSCIENTIOUSNESS 4 : a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith - re·li·gion·less adjective
In the fourth definition: a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith, Evolution certainly qualifies.
Evolution is not adhered to with faith. Its accepted by virtually all scientists because it fits the data.
Ergo, it's not religion.
BTW, the fossil record is just one small part of the overwhelming mountain of evidence supporting evolution.