Meaning of secular religion | Babel Free

Definitions

A communal belief system that omits or disregards supernatural or metaphysical elements (unlike religions) but shares most of the epistemic traits of religions, such as dogma, ideology, martyrdom for a cause, tribalism, demonization of outsiders, dichotomization of humans into the righteous versus the evildoers (good guys versus bad guys), and so on.

Examples

“Fascism and communism are often described as secular religions.”

“Her theory posits that secular religions will rush in to fill the cultural void left by the decline of religiosity.”

“Left-wing and right-wing political ideologies have themselves become secular religions, providing people with a community of like-minded brethren, a catechism of sacred beliefs, a well-populated demonology, and a beatific confidence in the righteousness of their cause. In chapter 21 we will see how political ideology undermines reason and science.⁷ It scrambles people’s judgment, inflames a primitive tribal mindset, and distracts them from a sounder understanding of how to improve the world.”

CEFR level