The Shine of Secular Life - my thoughts on Ryan Cragun’s lecture

By Umar Mohammed

Ryan Cragun’s lecture on secularization inspired and motivated me. Rather than relying on opinion, he drew from research to confront the stereotypes often placed on non-religious people. Three of his points which strongly stood out to me are;

First, he dismantled the idea that religious people are “happier” than everyone else. While some studies appear to show a gap, once you factor in social and cultural differences, that advantage disappears. Cragun argued that happiness is not a gift reserved for the faithful. Happiness flows from relationships, security and purpose, all of which are accessible without religion. This strikes me deep. It reminded me that joy belongs to all of us, not only those who pray.

Second, he addressed civic engagement and kindness. Far from being apathetic or selfish, secular people vote, volunteer and care for others at rates comparable to believers. In fact, in some areas like openness to outsiders they often score higher. This resonated personally, because I have often heard the opposite claim, that leaving religion means abandoning morality. Cragun’s evidence shows the truth, that morality is rooted in our humanity not our theology.

Thirdly, Cragun explored meaning. While many religious people frame their purpose in relation to God, secular people often craft their own from family, community, knowledge or justice. What matters, he noted, is not whether one appeals to the divine, but whether one finds ways to live fully. For those of us told that life without God is “empty”, this perspective is empowering. It shows that we can build lives rich with meaning, even without faith.

I agree with Cragun wholeheartedly. His words reflect what I know in my own experience - that human beings are capable of happiness, morality and purpose without supernatural guidance. Religion may comfort some people who are faithful, but it is not the sole source of goodness. In fact, the evidence suggests that when we rely on compassion, reason and human effort, we thrive just as much if not more. For me, that truth is not only convincing, it is liberating.

Perhaps saying goodbye to religion is not a loss at all, but the beginning of a freer, more honest life.