I am not religious and have no desire to start being now but sometimes I just want the community people get with church. I am craving connection with the community and feel it’s very healthy for families and neighbors as well. The United States is seriously lacking in third spaces and communities. It’s leading to a serious loneliness epidemic… Just wondering if there is anything that can fill that need for non-religious folks?
You could do Satanism but not actually worship Satan since he doesn’t exist either but rather, I believe it is the Satanic Temple(look it up). Their credo is really good, like treat people equally and with kindness, that sort of thing. I think they formed to sort if troll Christians. Like if Christians were able to put a nativity in the capital, the temple would also apply to put something in the capital.
Anyway, another idea would be to join a maker space, if you like to use your hands.
Personally, I’m into cars so I joined a club and I race on weekends and go to car shows. I think anything that puts you on contact with like minded people will help you meet people to make friends. Good luck.
The Satanic Temple has done some good political work in the name of religious freedom, but its leadership has kind of a dodgy past. So maybe look into that a bit before you decide to throw in with them.
I agree that joining affinity groups certainly helps to build community. Knowing that you already have something in common with everyone in the room is a great ice breaker.