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This thesis examines one of the early atheistic organisations in Sweden, called Utilistiska samfundet, during the period 1887–1895. The organisation was led by the charismatic atheist Viktor Lennstrand, who had an ambition to build a popular movement on atheism. The thesis focuses on how Utilistiska samfundet presented itself as a religion substitute, and how it balanced between its individualistic and collectivistic projects. Furthermore, I investigate how these aspects manifested themselves through the mobilisation of Utilistiska samfundet, that is, through its organisation and activities, many of which followed the example of evangelical Christianity, including charismatic missionizing, Sunday meetings and Sunday school. I situate my observations in the context of the history of organised atheism as well as the history of Swedish popular and religious movements in the late 1800’s. My analysis shows that a central factor behind the mobilisation of Utilistiska samfundet was an idea of satisfying people’s religious needs which included social and affective aspects as well as an existential conviction as a moral incentive. I also argue that Utilistiska samfundet was characterised by a similar tension between individualism and collectivism as was typical for other popular movements of the time.