When faith in gods wanes, does reason fill the void? Surprisingly, many psychologists and social observers say the answer is: not exactly.
In supposedly secular societies, belief in astrology, conspiracy theories, and pseudoscience is booming. Flat Earth movements, QAnon, wellness fads—all have been described as “new religions for the faithless.” Some see these as psychological coping mechanisms: “Belief,” one expert notes, “isn’t erased—it’s redirected.”
For secularists, this is both an embarrassment and a call to arms. The model of skepticism must offer community, meaning, and emotional support—not just debunking and disdain.
The lesson: reason and science are not humanity’s default; they’re hard-won habits, easily starved. Atheist communities must nurture skepticism and belonging to truly replace superstition.
