"We’re wired for faith, so as we kill the old gods, we create new ones to replace them."
The substitution hypothesis suggests that humans are innately wired to seek systems of belief, purpose, and moral structure. As traditional religions lose influence in certain societies, people often turn to ideologies or movements that serve a similar psychological and social role.
The rise of movements like New Atheism, and later Atheism+, reflects this shift: a departure from traditional faiths paired with the creation of new belief systems focused on social justice, equality, and activism.
The argument extends to the concept of "wokeness," which is adopting religious elements:
Faith replaced by ideology
The decline of organized religion has left many searching for a guiding narrative. For some, movements like New Atheism filled the gap with its commitment to rationality, only to evolve into quasi-religious offshoots like Atheism+, focusing on activism and moral dogma.Moral absolutes in a relativist world
Religions often provide clear moral frameworks. In their absence, ideologies such as "wokeness" establish their own codes of ethics. These include defining "Original Sins" like systemic oppression or whiteness and proposing redemption through activism or self-awareness.The new Holy Trinity: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
Similar to the central tenets of faith, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) have become sacred concepts in many institutions. They act as guiding principles to achieve an idealized vision of society, with strict adherence expected.Rituals and confessions take new forms
Public apologies, social media virtue signaling, and training seminars serve as modern rituals, echoing confession and repentance practices. These acts aim to absolve individuals of their perceived complicity in societal wrongs.Communal belonging in an age of isolation
Just as religion builds community, ideological adherence provides a sense of belonging. Activism and shared online spaces give individuals a connection to like-minded "believers" seeking collective change.Heretics and blasphemy laws in the cultural sphere
Those who deviate from or challenge dominant ideologies are often ostracized or "canceled," resembling historical punishments for heresy. This ensures group cohesion but stifles dissent.Prophets, saints, and martyrs
Figures who champion social justice causes are elevated as role models, while those who endure criticism or hardship for their activism are venerated as martyrs, cementing their ideological significance.
Faith isn’t disappearing—it’s adapting. And this new religion of “wokeness” is just repeating the same cycles of dogma, division, persecutions and intellectual terrorism as old ones.
Repent for the End is Near!
https://boghossian.substack.com/p/woke-religion-a-taxonomy
suntem în fața unei lumi greu de înțeles și de locuit.
So... Atheism has become obsolete? I need to upgrade to Atheism+... ???