"Atheists" who make themselves, or the State, a swap-in replacement for God(s) are not much different from purely religious authorities who abuse their positions. It is apparently a common kind of power-seeking Dark Trait.
The Leviathan theory of the state -- the Motherland who is greater than us, who we would die for as cells die to preserve the body, and whose Exegeses come from the Great Leader/Supreme Council/President for Life.
It's exactly the same play on faith and credulity and servility that religions use.
Spectating can be fun but the real enjoyment comes from being an active player