Unfortunately we don't really have any premodern (i.e. operating under the same constraints) atheistic societies to compare against.

Maybe its just human nature to try and rationalize the world around them? (using whatever framework they have a available)

Do you feel current western capitalistic culture is perfect and the peak of what humanity can accomplish?

There should be more, not less, experiments in alternative ways of life. I wish there was a lot more examples because we desperately need to change some things and some people need to be first.

As a non-American I don't know much about amish and there could be atrocities I am unaware of, but from what little I know I have always respected Amish for daring to be different, and for living sustainable and not contributing to climate change.

If you trade their belief in God with increased CO2 emissions -- why would that be a rational change to their culture?

So who are really misdirected humans? I would say those who sacrifice the planet on the altar of numbers stored in computer systems in banks...

Reading tip for you is "Sapiens" of Harari. Don't worry, he's an atheist, but he may contribute a more nuanced view on the role of religion in human culture (and he names capitalism as a religion too).

This is about language, though. Religious oddities are merely the background.

s/religion/text editors/

s/religion/sponsors/

s/religion/politics/

s/religion/nationalism/

s/religion/insecurity/

s/religion/intolerance/

...