This is a very interesting concept, and I can totally understand why this makes sense for some people. Although, I think it's something that would mainly appeal to people who are familiar the traditions of the Christian church. Interestingly enough, the concept of a religion without a god is not that new. Buddhism, which is 2500 years old, is basically a religion without a god or a deity. There are certain mystical elements in Buddhism, but without a god.

Interesting read. A lot of similarities with my own story, though I am not an atheist. The weekly gathering is one of the primary reasons I walked away from institutional Christianity, because it became more important to most attendees than the actual day-to-day practicing of what they believe. So this example of an alternative doesn't sound like it would be something I would be interested in.

. A congregation of about 40 people stand for songs, sit for readings and bow their heads in reflection, a structure that reminds me of the Catholic masses I attended

Too much like chirch,which I wanted to avoid,which is why I quit the UU church.