A scholar who studies alternative expressions of spirituality visited secular, atheist and psychedelic churches and interacted with attendees. Here is what he found.
While abandoning mainstream religious affiliation, many turn to alternative expressions, including secular, atheist and psychedelic churches.
For about a decade, as a scholar who studies alternative expressions of spirituality, I have tracked these groups online
Atheists are not an "alternative expression of spirituality". It is the absence of it. The same way drying is not an alternative form of watering plants.
The context is: Alternative expressions of religious affiliation [which were explored, including atheism]. Which is why I included that quote in my comment.
Maybe I am too strict and you can read it in another way, where that list of things (including atheism) is not necessarily part of that next sentence. But the author should also take care to avoid such things.
I know organized communities often lead to a lot of social issues but they can also do a lot of good. Social support is key to mental healt. Modern lifestyle makes it harder and harder to find that support, or even meet new people after you get to a certain age
Ah yes, the musings of someone who could afford to just live in a summer cottage on a pond and chose to live simply without the risk of failure is a real inspiration for the common man.