As humanist organizations work to become more positive and more approachable, they have also sought to build better connections with wider communities—including some that may have a high level of distrust or dislike of humanism. Religious institutions and beliefs can be central features of life in these communities, and often bring people a sense of social identity and shared meaning. If humanists are perceived mainly as anti-religious, they may be thought of as opposing the validity not just of specific beliefs but of the whole principle of meaning and identity.
