Does they have the "Act of God" clause in the USA? Could you not argue to the airline that it is unconstitutional and quote the first amendment.

The civil rights of none shall be abridged on account of religious belief or worship, nor shall any national religion be established, nor shall the full and equal rights of conscience be in any manner, or on any pretext, infringed.

I think you could probably argue that your full and equal rights of conscience as an atheist have been infringed and they would probably give you a hotel voucher and a sandwich