The Phenomenon of Secular Religion in Modern Society: Sacralization Without Deity The phenomenon of secular (civil) religion is a system of collective beliefs, rituals, and symbols that performs functions in society analogous to traditional religion, but does not appeal to the supernatural, the divine, or a personal deity. Its objects of worship become secular, "earthly" entities: nation, state, science, progress, human rights, constitution, market, or even a certain individual. This is not residual religiosity, but a full-fledged functional alternative emerging in the process of secularization to satisfy basic anthropological needs for meaning, cohesion, and the sacred. Theoretical Foundations and Key Characteristics The concept was introduced by Jean-Jacques Rousseau in "The Social Contract" (1762) as "civil religion," a necessary set of dogmas for the state (the existence of God, an afterlife, the sanctity of the social contract). In sociology, it was developed by Émile Durkheim (religion as a reflection and reinforcement of social solidarity) and Robert Bellah (the analysis of American civil religion). Key characteristics of secular religion: Sacred objects and texts: Constitution, Declaration of Human Rights, national flag, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, scientific method (as an immutable canon). They are inviolable and surrounded by ritual respect. Rituals and ceremonies: Inauguration of the president, military parades, moments of silence, laying of wreaths, award ceremonies (Nobel, Oscar), secular "rites of passage" (graduation, dissertation defense). Sacred dates (calendar): Independence Day, Victory Day, Memorial Day. They structure time, reproducing key foundational myths of the community. Priesthood and prophets: Political leaders, science popularizers (e.g., Carl Sagan or Stephen Hawking as prophets of the scientific worldview), supreme court judges (interpreters of the sacred text-constitution), sports and movie stars (saints of secular hagiography). Dogm ... Read more