In the wake of Pope Francis’s death, an opinion article in The Times reflects on the enduring role of faith in human society. The piece critiques the “new atheist” perspective, suggesting that religion offers psychological benefits such as communal belonging and moral stability. It posits that secularism may be a historical anomaly rather than the future norm
The article notes recent trends indicating a potential religious resurgence, including increased church attendance among young Britons and the growth of religious communities like the Amish. It concludes that faith might be a fundamental human need, especially as modern societies face mental health crises and moral fragmentation.
