Even if you don't believe in any God, you still have to believe in something that gives meaning to your life, and shapes your sense of the world. Such a belief is religious.
In "State of Fear," Michael Crichton argues that belief systems are essential to human existence, even for those who do not subscribe to traditional religious views. He suggests that everyone needs a framework that provides meaning and helps them navigate their lives, which can be considered a form of religion, regardless of its nature.
This idea emphasizes the importance of having convictions or principles that guide one's understanding of the world....