I watched a discussion about the denigration of christian values among the western cultures. I noted the assertion, of what I'll call, a vacuum of religion, presently within western societies. However, although christianity was the catalyst for the presenter, and islam the provocateur and threat to the former, which was distasteful, it made me think.

For me, I see this argument, as more likely, a need for faith/religiosity showing in society. As the traditional western religious/religions are being chipped away at by disbelief and correct reasoning...these former believers in one faith, just replace their need for meaning in life, and belonging to something, with another faith...one that is familiar, and more likely to defend its dogma more vigorously. This familiar new religious belief, is islam. I believe one faith is being replaced by another...christianity, is being replaced by islam.

Atheists and reason, may be a significant catalyst for change, but we are doing a very poor job of supporting these people during this fundamental change/enlightenment. The needs of this growing population of disenfranchised spiritually inclined people, is not being met by the present atheistic environment. These people, with this deeply ingrained need for meaning and belonging, are searching for comforting answers that fill the voids that correct reasoning have opened. We as atheists, are not fulfilling their needs...we are failing these people. We have to be able to support these people in an understanding and empathetic way, while upholding the virtues of reason and its truths. It is one thing to point out their failure in reason...yet another, to hold their hand while reality sets in...which is also our responsibility.

We need to do better.

Any suggestions on how we can achieve this, would be greatly appreciated.