Secular religion is a term used to describe ideas, theories or philosophies which involve no spiritual component yet possess qualities similar to those of a religion. Such qualities include such things as dogma, a system of indoctrination, the prescription of an absolute code of conduct, an ideologically tailored creation story and end-times narrative, designated enemies, and unquestioning devotion to a higher authority. The secular religion operates in a secular society by filling a role which would be satisfied by a church or another religious authority.
Social philosopher Raymond Aron notably uses the term to refer to Communism.[1] Philosopher of science Michael Ruse made use of the term in discussing evolution theory and Darwinism.[2] Thomas Frank suggests that the free market has become a secular religion in the United States. [3]