This book investigates the structural and social requirements for a functional secular society, arguing that the absence of traditional religious institutions does not necessitate a decline in social cohesion. Richard K. Fenn, a sociologist specializing in the intersection of religion and society, utilizes historical and sociological frameworks to challenge the necessity of a "Civil Religion." He posits that a society liberated from sacred mandates can embrace a broader spectrum of human experience and institutional flexibility.

Scholars in the field of sociology of religion frequently cite this work for its provocative stance against the necessity of sacred institutions in modern life. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which requires a foundational understanding of sociological theory to fully grasp the author's arguments.