I get that people have a need for some sort of religion. I've read before that religious zeal, this kind of activism, sports and music fandom can all have very similar affects on our brains, which makes sense. I think the sensation of connection you might feel in the crowd of a concert of a musician you adore or being in a stadium when the team you are crazy about score a vital goal in an important match would be very similar to religious zeal or getting worked up at a big protest. Being part of a big emotional moment in a crowd can be very powerful sensation.