But those atheists seem to be just fine, psychologically. I don't think the need you describe needs to be filled by a lie about religion. I agree, though, that

But those atheists seem to be just fine, psychologically. I don't think the need you describe needs to be filled by a lie about religion. I agree, though, that it is a bit of a shame that atheists don't seem to make much of a concentrated attempt to care for those needs (community building against loneliness and such things). I've thought about it often. Actually I think the church is basically just a company that caters to those needs, so what is necessary is starting another company.