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I think the secular folks in these threads must not see the modern secular analogs to blasphemy, penance, indulgences, and purity. Misguided virtue signalling boycotts and all!

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As someone who is pretty secular, why do you think we must not?

I mean, I've posted a couple of John Gray links here and it would be difficult to have read anything of his without having spent at least a little time thinking about the secular analogs to religious practices, as that is one of his major themes.

Because if you really thought about it, you'd realize that you have so much in common with the religious zealots of old (and be so horrified by this) that you'd have to go home and completely re-think your belief system. In the 21st century, people want to believe that they have nothing in common with the Spanish Inquisition.... "Put her in the comfy chair!".

>"Because if you really thought about it, you'd realize that you have so much in common with the religious zealots of old (and be so horrified by this) that you'd have to go home and completely re-think your belief system."

You've just successfully described one of my main hobbies. As far as any secular tradition goes, I am firmly in the Diogenes camp.

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