I think everyone used to be religious and so church and mass was a way to get a community. Since more and more people are atheists, this community thing hasn’t really translated to the other side.

Yeah I would say so. People used to go to church, now they don't, and nothing has replaced it. Of course loneliness will increase

Political Ideology seems to be slowly replacing church. They are starting to develop very similar "features" as religions: Complex belief systems, rules for living, communities of like-minded (and clearly defined outsiders), ideological friends and enemies, in many cases "with us or against us" mentalities, hero/idol worship, ideology-specific literature, icons and imagery, rituals, chants and singing, repetitive speech and propaganda to reinforce beliefs, community activity (either -building or -destroying), belief in mysticism/supernatural/conspiracies. That religion-shaped hole that people have when they walk away from traditional religion is getting filled with something similar.

Politics has always been like religion my friend, but it’s much more divisive than anything imo

The US is worse for it than a lot of other western countries tho. Unless you’re religious, that is

I’m a lifelong atheist, but I am starting to look at religion simply for the community and fellowship.

But honestly I don’t want to be religious. It seems like it entirely suspends one’s ability to think critically, and I have so little of that particular talent that letting go of what I do what feels like a disaster in the making. It feels exceptionally hard to go into it with an open mind.

Have you considered Unitarianism for community/fellowship/moral framework? They are we accepting of both atheists and people of varying faiths. (Note, not a Unitarian, but my wife grew up in the community)

I’ve not, not seriously anyway. I do have a few acquaintances that are Unitarian though, I should ping them on that topic. Thanks, I appreciate the suggestion!

Start thinking about religion as an organic solution to the human need for community. Whatever made up stories they teach don’t matter outside of how it builds and protects the community. This will result in some individuals not being permitted (unfairly at times - a bad apple can spoil the bunch). There is no perfect answer to the human condition.

Or you can try to make your own religion (or political ideology if you want to use the modern term). There’s a few trying to form in the west right now, but they don’t have much of an emphasis on creating healthy communities as they do dominating the culture. I don’t think they’re helpful if you’re lonely.

Yeah really that's what religion is in this context: you find connection in the fact that you both suspended that part of your critical thinking. I say this as a religious person too, although one that hasn't found much particular community, since I am in a religion that doesn't have such things very strongly

You can pick a religion or political party. Those seem to be popular for providing belonging to people here.