Religion for Atheists Summary

“What if, instead of dismissing religion outright, we treat it as a treasure trove of ideas about how we might improve our human experience?”

1. Religion Offers Valuable Lessons, Even for Non-Believers

Religion isn't just about divine beings or faith; it's a human practice loaded with cultural and philosophical value. Those who don't believe in a god can still draw rich lessons from the rituals, traditions, and morals found within religions.

Many secular people reject religion entirely, being put off by its association with supernatural aspects. But throughout history, even religions have freely adapted elements from other systems. For example, Christianity borrowed the timing of the midwinter solstice to celebrate Christmas and used Greek philosophical ideas like Epicurus’s model of community to inspire monastic life.

We can similarly borrow from religious traditions to enrich our lives. Whether it's reclaiming the sense of morality associated with religion or celebrating seasonal festivals that bring people together, these practices have universal appeal beyond theology.

Examples

• Christmas merged pagan rites with Christian theology.
• Early monasteries were inspired by the teachings of ancient Greek philosophers.
• Non-religious morality can still resemble religious ethical codes.

2. Rituals Build Strong Communities

Religions have long used rituals to foster unity and connection, and these are needed just as much in today’s secular world, where people often feel isolated.

Church gatherings or synagogue services bring people together regardless of their socioeconomic or cultural differences. One notable example is the Catholic mass, which historically included a shared meal to build community — much like a communal dinner party.

Rituals like Yom Kippur in Judaism also provide structured opportunities for personal growth and forgiveness. Secular celebrations could adopt similar approaches, bringing people together regularly to reflect, share, and heal.

Examples

• Yom Kippur encourages self-reflection and mending relationships.
• Catholic mass brings diverse individuals together with shared songs and prayers.
• Communal meals once central to early Christian worship were designed to cultivate unity.

3. Moral Guidance Simplifies Life’s Hard Dilemmas

Religion excels at providing a moral framework to guide decisions, which is something many people find lacking in secularism.

Christianity’s concept of original sin, for example, teaches us to recognize human imperfection and welcome moral laws that guide our better behavior. Similarly, Judaism’s Mishnah offers practical advice on everyday situations like showing kindness to widows or stopping disputes.

Saints and symbolic images in religious traditions also speak to the moral ideals we can strive for. By showcasing virtues like kindness and courage through revered examples, religion puts a human face to morality.

Examples

• The Mishnah’s advice enriches personal and social decisions.
• Saints like Mother Teresa inspire ideal qualities of selflessness.
• Artistic depictions of virtues, such as Giotto’s murals, guide believers visually.

4. Religious Education Focuses on Life Skills, Not Just Knowledge

Religious teachings center on practical, life-relevant themes, addressing what it means to live a good life and build strong relationships, rather than just academic concepts.

Unlike modern education, which often emphasizes abstract knowledge disconnected from real life, religious education interweaves personal development into its lessons. For example, hymns and stories examine love and humility, turning abstract virtues into lived practices.

Even teaching styles in religion, like the dynamic call-and-response preaching in African-American churches, keep audiences actively engaged. Schools could adopt such enthusiastic methods to connect with students better.

Examples

• Hymns explore themes of humility and forgiveness.
• Buddhist parables illustrate life’s truths simply and memorably.
• Call-and-response techniques energize and involve churchgoers.

5. Compassion Helps Address Life’s Expectations

Mainstream culture often downplays struggles, but religion emphasizes embracing suffering as part of life and promotes compassion to alleviate it.

Facebook and Instagram often celebrate achievements, creating immense pressure to present perfect lives. Religions like Judaism, however, provide outlets like the Wailing Wall, where people openly share their longings and sorrows, offering a crucial reminder that everyone experiences setbacks.

The tender presence of maternal figures, such as the Virgin Mary in Christianity and Guanyin in Buddhism, embodies compassion. These symbols remind us to care for both ourselves and others in our shared vulnerabilities.

Examples

• The Wailing Wall provides space for communal sorrow and hope.
• Mother Mary is a symbol of nurturing care for inner struggles.
• Guanyin represents unconditional support during times of anguish.

6. Perspective Grounds Us in the Larger Universe

Religious practices emphasize humbling ourselves before the vastness of existence, reminding us of our small but significant role in the cosmos.

Stories such as the Book of Job in the Bible show how humility can help us process life's challenges. Similarly, Spinoza’s philosophy calls for surrendering to the universal laws, a position that strips away ego and entitlement.

Science, too, often achieves this humbling perspective. When we learn that our galaxy’s sun is dwarfed by Eta Carinae, a star 400 times larger, it is awe-inspiring and reminds us of how small yet interconnected we are.

Examples

• Job’s trials teach acceptance of life’s ups and downs.
• Spinoza’s naturalistic worldview reshapes human perspective.
• Astronomy reveals our planet’s minute place in the universe.

7. Art and Architecture Convey Timeless Lessons

Religious art and sacred spaces evoke emotions that words fail to express, providing experiential lessons that stick with us long after we encounter them.

Whether it’s the sand mandalas of Buddhism symbolizing life’s fleeting nature or stained-glass windows in Christian churches depicting key narratives, art serves as a constant reminder of life’s themes. Religious architecture, such as the awe-inspiring cathedrals of Europe, creates spaces that instill reverence and reflection.

These creations remind modern society of the potential for beauty and wisdom in shared spaces.

Examples

• Mandalas reflect the impermanence of life.
• Stained glass in cathedrals narrates Biblical parables visually.
• Iconic church architecture embodies moral and spiritual aspirations.

8. Rituals Anchor Us With Stability

Religious institutions create stability by building rituals that are reliable and uniform across time and borders — something secular organizations could emulate.

For example, Catholic confession maintains consistency in its setting and procedure worldwide. Zen Buddhism integrates body and mind through rituals like the tea ceremony, encouraging simplicity and self-awareness.

Similarly, celebrating specific dates, like the Jewish prayer over the first cherry blossoms annually, unites adherents globally in shared joy and introspection.

Examples

• Catholic confession rituals ensure worldwide familiarity.
• Zen tea rituals blend mental and physical mindfulness.
• Fixed religious holidays forge unity and shared memory.

9. Religion Challenges Secular Institutions to Provide Universality

Hospitals, educational systems, and other secular institutions could learn from religion’s unyielding focus on forming trustworthy systems.

Religion ensures that when you walk into a church or temple, no matter where it is, you’ll have a similar experience. This consistency builds a sense of trust and reliability, something often overlooked in today’s uneven secular spaces.

Religious rituals may even inspire adjustments: imagine medical or educational systems adopting comforting rituals to build trust and consistency among users.

Examples

• Catholic mass is the same worldwide, reinforcing its sense of belonging.
• Zen Buddhist rituals offer a meditative consistency for all practitioners.
• Institutional trust stems from predictable, reliable patterns.

Takeaways

1. Create regular rituals in your workplace or community to deepen bonds and build trust.
2. Incorporate visual reminders, like art or symbolic objects, into your space to reflect on key values you want to embody.
3. Take moments to reflect on your small yet meaningful role in the larger world when facing personal stress or challenges.