The surrounding people don't need to be theist, but they need to use similar social tools to religion. Namely shame and reverence. Trying to "destigmatize" everything is one of the most destructive things the left has done to society.
Replace "sin" with "dishonor" and a society could be just as stable. But when the negative action stops causing any kind of stigma, both types would crumble.
You can have common doctrine, dogma, beliefs, and practices without the spiritual elements. Is that still a religion?
I would definitely say environment where you were raised is a huge factor but it's more individual mindset which is why atheism is an INDIVIDUAL decision NOT a methodology for a group to follow.
You need to inherit the moral framework from somewhere, after which it's possible for certain individuals to retain it without needing the reinforcement of it via religion. The filthy unwashed masses however, largely require regular maintenance in the form of church in order to retain their moral framework.
Only if enough people around them are still religious enough to impart their moral framework to the non-believer.
The surrounding people don't need to be theist, but they need to use similar social tools to religion. Namely shame and reverence. Trying to "destigmatize" everything is one of the most destructive things the left has done to society.
Replace "sin" with "dishonor" and a society could be just as stable. But when the negative action stops causing any kind of stigma, both types would crumble.
You can have common doctrine, dogma, beliefs, and practices without the spiritual elements. Is that still a religion?
I would definitely say environment where you were raised is a huge factor but it's more individual mindset which is why atheism is an INDIVIDUAL decision NOT a methodology for a group to follow.
You need to inherit the moral framework from somewhere, after which it's possible for certain individuals to retain it without needing the reinforcement of it via religion. The filthy unwashed masses however, largely require regular maintenance in the form of church in order to retain their moral framework.