Good question and one that most of us face on leaving religion. I don't pretend to have "the" answer, but here is an answer. If you were born to parents who raised you totally secular, taught you the wonders of science, read great literature, learned basic philosophical principles, learned music, etc. Would you experience a "void"? Most people I know who were raised by loving secular parents, don't seem to feel any need to fill a "void". So my conclusion is, religion creates a dependency, an addiction within us - in our brains not unlike other kinds of addictions. When the addictive agent is withdrawn we feel a loss or "void." We experience similar senses of a void when a loved one dies or we get divorced. So, in my opinion, it is important to ask, Was there a "void" or was it an addiction, a security blanket, a delusion that gave a false sense of security or well being? We are highly social creatures. When we leave an important social group - like our life long religion - it leaves a social void that is real, but is replaceable with other social groups. The delusional aspect of religion, should not be replaced, instead, we "grow up in the universe." We no longer have any pretend friends. We become adults as opposed to "the children of god." It can be difficult growing out, but the rewards are far greater than the salvation of any imaginary friend.

Just some of my thoughts. I hope this adds to the discussion. I would be glad to hear others ideas.