A "new" religion is born, one that worships the creation rather than the creator.

I see this as a positive. I am a firm adherent to the legitimate practice of faith. It is a good thing that atheists have a means to acquire knowledge, assent, and act (or practice).

Jay8h, there is nothing wrong with the practice of a faith. It is a part of seeking. They, being atheists and probably not being the most logically astute, probably do not realize this, but this is the foot in the door of progressive development toward the development of religion. It is a certainty that many will find the accurate object of faith through the sincere practice of any faith. Seek and ye shall find.

Greater access to educational resources might be one reason.

We're becoming a more technological society as well, which often requires disciplined thought, critical thinking and reasoning to understand and develop these technologies.

It follows that the more educated we become as a society the less superstitious. The scientific method has paid off tremendously and continues to do so. It continues to be the most valid means of obtaining knowledge.

No superstition, faith in the unknown, worship, or paying homage to invisible creatures is required. It's really no wonder atheism is growing.