As a former atheist, I understand why religiousness seems absurd.

However, this is usually due to a difference in definitions rather than substance. Atheists think of “God” as an external ruler deciding events and making judgements from afar.

Theists realize God exists within each of us, known as the Atman in Hinduism, the Holy Spirit in Christianity, or the Self of the World in the words of Alan Watts.

If the word “God” carries too much baggage for you, try replacing it with “The Cosmos” or “The Ground of Being” as Tillich calls it.