Leftism has it's dogmas that you cannot deny without being excommunicated, it has it's Priests and Priestesses, many of it's 'Churches' (institutions and foundations) are tax exempt. Sounds like a religion to me
It also advocates suicide, euthanasia, and abortion. Which is an aversion to human life itself. Animalism and radical ecology, animals and mineral life above human life.
In a country with 325 million people...some can be a lot. If only 2% of the population is 'kooky', that's an army of 6 million, and that's dangerous in today's context. The converse is true for ultra right wingers. It only took a few to secure 6 blocks in Seattle.
a religion is just a set of beliefs and philosophies based on those beliefs. it doesn't always necessarily have to involve gods and spirits.
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They also typically have some sort of prayer, a "holy" book, definitely a way to collect money, and usually a ritual or some way to designate a leader or leaders. They always have a list of dos and don'ts, chief among the don'ts are their lists of "sins" ... some of which apply to certain people in certain situations and then don't apply equally to others. Usually their "sins" have to be forgiven by their deity or by one of their designated leaders. Hey, you can create a religion yourself! Here's How:
How to create a religion
1. Create a boogeyman
2. Decide on sin and criminalize normal behavior as "abnormal"
3. Design rituals to absolve your sins
4. Create dogmas and/or songs
5. Remember the power of nonsense and that nothing is something
6. Choose a savior who will "save the world"
7. Choose those who will carry your savior's message
8. Set up a way to accept money
9. Label everyone who doesn't believe as "deniers" or "unbelievers" and try to shame them into believing
10. Advertise, advertise, advertise!
Side effects:
a. martyrdom
b. madness
c. ostrazation from society
d. thinking people will consider you nuts
e. bankruptcy, starvation, poverty
f. a feeling of being "had"