Since 1972, the percentage of Americans who say they have a religious affiliation has dropped over 20%, and with that, a large place of community is declining too. 

Houses of worship have been a haven of safety worldwide for thousands of years. People go to pray, hear testimony, and carry on ancient traditions. However, with the automation of the world, the introduction of AI and other advanced technologies, and changes in ways of thinking, newer generations are straying away from traditional religion. 

With this decline comes questions regarding individuality and isolation. Without religion, there’s still infinite ways to connect with others, but it still looms as a gaping hole for many. To fill this void, communities of “secular churches” or what some call “atheist churches” have been surging in numbers. These churches mimic religious organizations by emulating the structure of a religious church, such as meeting on Sundays, listening to member’s testimonies, and adapting traditions and other practices. As an example, there’s a growth in psychedelic churches — appealing to people who are seeking spirituality through controlled drug use. 

An important thing to note about these secular churches is that they do not promote atheism or try to rival religion, they simply appeal to atheists and secular people more. Organizations such as Sunday Assembly celebrate atheists’ identities, but not everyone who attends is an atheist. Activities promote rational thinking and materialist philosophies, which can easily appeal to both religious and secular people. 

According to the Journal of Community and Public Health Nursing, with the reduction in the number of religious people around the world, “The protective and positive benefits provided through religiosity will decrease which could result in a steady decline in… fewer stress-reducing coping mechanisms, and less abundant positive psychological concepts.” Religion provides an ethical baseline that promotes community engagement and provides a sense of meaning and purpose. However, these do not have to go away with religion. Secular churches are providing these things for non-religious people who otherwise may not have got them. 

Secular churches are a perfect example of people finding new ways to promote good ways of thinking. Without religion as a baseline, these places are a haven to still foster community and traditions.