I just saw a video over on Matt Dillahunty’s channel, which I’ll link to below, about a new “secular religion” called Mystrikism. He went through some of the stuff on their website, which I’ll also link to below, but I had a lot more to say on the subject.
So here I go.
First off, here’s Matt’s video. It’s almost 40 minutes long, but you’re welcome to go and check it out.
Let me get this out of the way first. I see no need for religion. I see no need for any of the trappings associated with religion. I agree, to some degree, with Matt, that there are a lot of things that religion co-opted that have nothing to do with religion at all. Morality, ethics and community are three of the ones that immediately come to mind. You don’t need religion for any of them, but you don’t need secular versions of religion for any of them either.
I’ve been a long time critic of things like Sunday Assembly, not because, if you really want to hang around on Sunday morning with a bunch of atheists, I want to stop you, but because it shouldn’t be necessary. This is just people who have been scarred by religion, trying to carry on the religious traditions. Just stop. Saying “we’re going to do all the things that religion does, just without religion!” is stupid. Stop it. Seek help. It’s time to grow up and stop being brainwashed by things that were done to you against your will as a child.
If you need a community, go find friends. It’s honestly not that hard. I don’t need a set place to hang out with other people of like mind. I just fine people that I like and I spend time with them. The idea that you need a church, any church, to have a community is as dumb an idea as they come. You don’t. Grow up. Stop being an immature child.
Let’s get to the Mystrikism website though because that’s going to take a while. Like Matt, I’m not going to go through all of it, that would be a complete waste of time, but there are some points that just need to be made.
Their first paragraph on their ABOUT page tells me all I need to know to avoid them like the plague. “Mystrikism is a sensible set of philosophical principles that offers a rational alternative to religion. We aim to provide a naturalistic identity that values critical thought, scientific inquiry, and ethical tenets based on empirically measurable well-being, completely devoid of supernatural elements.” I don’t need your philosophy. I’m just fine on my own. If they valued critical thought, they wouldn’t be starting a religion or a philosophy, they’d just get the hell over the mind poison that religion has infected them with. I can live my life completely devoid of all supernatural elements and I don’t need to attach a stupid name to myself, and I agree with Matt, this is a really, really stupid name. However, let’s continue and pick out a few choice chunks of stupidity.
“Why should we write “no religion” or merely “agnostic” or “atheist” on a census form when we embody so much more? We find marvel and sublimity in the world like any other intelligent beings, except we don’t attribute these experiences to any supernatural interpretation.” Why? Because that’s what you are! You are an atheist whether you like it or not! This is just immature children looking to feel special and stand out. Grow the hell up!
This really feels like they’re still clinging to some part of the religious mind poison. It’s like I’ve said before, and Matt brought this up too, that if you get rid of cancer, what should you replace it with? NOTHING! You get rid of the bad stuff and don’t find something else to plug the hole. You shouldn’t need a secular religion. You just get rid of religion altogether and some people, sadly, don’t seem to be able to manage it. I find that terribly sad.
Of course, the real problem is that Mystrikism is entirely pointless. “We invite those seeking a like-minded identity and sensible values to live by. If you have any interest, please explore our website to fully grasp what we represent. For ANY questions or more details, feel free to email us ANYTIME. If our philosophy resonates with you and you wish to identify as a Mystrik and live by our principles, we invite you to drop us a line, and we will contact you. ” Why? Why do I need you at all? From what I’ve seen on the website, they don’t actually do anything but have a website. They don’t have meetups. They don’t have classes. They don’t do anything. If you look on their FAQ page, they only want people who already “believe”. They’re not out to convert anyone. They don’t even seem to be after money like most religious scams. This is just “call yourself this word and go on about your day!” WHY??!?!?! What is the point? This seems like one of the most ridiculous things I have ever seen. Appeal to dumb people who can’t throw off their religious chains by giving them some secular chains to wrap themselves in.
Are you really that fucking stupid? Sadly, I would have to say yes. There’s a lot more to read if you really want to, but my eyes have rolled into the back of my head. I agree with Matt, this sounds like a dumb idea, but more so, it’s not something that I think any mentally healthy adult ought to be interested in at all. One of the major strengths of atheism, at least in my opinion, is developing the ability to leave childish things behind. It’s not to invent all new childish things for yourself, which is all Mystrikism is doing. It’s all any “secular religion” is doing. Grow up already! This is just a half-way point, for people who can’t handle the God-crap anymore, but can’t handle growing the hell up either.
These people have problems. Most people do. It’s time to stop coddling the immature and delusional. Just stop making fools of yourselves already and join reality. Stop being a child. Try adulthood. It’s honestly not that hard.
My name is Duncan McDonald, and as the founder of Mystrikism, I would like to respond with some brutal honesty and a dose of clarity to this hateful, irrational person.
First, the sheer aggression in this critique says a lot about the critic’s mindset more than it does about Mystrikism. The constant jabs to “grow up” or “seek help” reveal a somewhat patronising and belittling stance that doesn’t serve an honest critique. This is essentially an emotional outburst dressed up as an argument, obscuring any point that might otherwise be worth discussing. The lack of respect makes it evident that this criticism isn’t about thoughtful analysis but rather about tearing down something the critic hasn’t tried to understand.
“I see no need for religion…you don’t need secular versions of religion either.”
Here, the critic claims Mystrikism is unnecessary because they’ve personally outgrown needing a structured belief system. This isn’t an argument against Mystrikism’s value; it’s an expression of their own bias. Mystrikism isn’t trying to be a religion; we are an alternative to religion. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, religion is “the belief in and worship of a superhuman power or powers, especially a God or gods”. Due to an abundant lack of verified or falsifiable evidence, at this time, we do not believe in the supernatural, including god or gods. Our doctrine explicitly states that it’s a non-theistic philosophical framework rooted in naturalism. The Union of Mystriks merely offers an invitation for those who resonate with our values.
“If you need a community, go find friends.”
Suggesting that forming a community around shared philosophical values is somehow weak is laughably dismissive of human nature. People are social creatures, and shared values or ethics help many find meaning and purpose in a way that isolation does not. It’s dismissive to imply that wanting a structured group around shared values is “childish.” Mystrikism doesn’t mandate a “church” but offers space and an identity for people who wish to explore ethics, curiosity, and kindness in a framework that rejects supernatural belief. It’s no more childish than any other group built on shared interests.
“Starting a religion or philosophy is mind poison.”
The irony here is thick. Dismissing a structured worldview as “mind poison” while writing a lengthy, impassioned screed against it only highlights a need to tear down rather than understand. Mystrikism isn’t a cult, possessing none of their metrics. It’s a secular philosophy aimed at honest exploration of reality, kindness, and the scientific method as the most effective and reliable approach to the best approximation of truth. It’s not forcing anyone to join and is hardly a toxin. If anything, a philosophy prioritising kindness and honesty in interactions is an antidote to the thoughtless animal aggression and hostility evident in this critique.
“You are an atheist whether you like it or not!”
This is precisely the kind of rigidity Mystrikism aims to avoid. Our website makes it clear that Mystrikism aligns more with agnostic, non-religious non-theism. This isn’t about rejecting a label like atheism out of some immature need to feel “special.” It’s a conscious, nuanced choice to identify with something that goes beyond merely rejecting gods. Non-theism involves an absence of belief while allowing space for humility and openness toward the unknown. By contrast, atheism often implies an active, definitive, virtually absolute and unscientifically certain stance against theistic beliefs. Mystrikism, therefore, focuses on a constructive philosophy of awe and respect for the unknown, a concept this critic seems unwilling or unable to grasp.
“Why should you replace cancer with something else?”
This “cancer” metaphor misses the mark entirely. Mystrikism isn’t about replacing the malignancy of religion with the same. Instead, it’s a conscious creation, a philosophy built from the ground up on naturalistic values, the methods of science, and ethics based on measurable well-being. We’re not here to “fill a void” but to provide a thoughtful and structured approach to life. If someone finds these ideals valuable, Mystrikism offers a path; if it’s not for you, it’s easy enough to leave behind. The critic’s view oversimplifies what Mystrikism represents and why it appeals to those who want a meaningful, ethical life without any supernatural strings attached.
“This ‘awe and wonder’ stuff is just laughable.”
This critic dismisses awe and wonder with a wave of the hand, yet these experiences are core to the human condition and have inspired countless scientific pursuits. Feeling awe at the universe and nature’s complexity doesn’t weaken someone; it shows they’re alive to the world. Mystrikism doesn’t force people to “feel awe.” It acknowledges that most do, with the notable exception of sociopaths, and that this feeling, entirely natural and grounded, adds depth and perspective to life. To deny awe’s value is to live in denial of our psychological and emotional richness.
“Why do I need you at all?”
No one needs Mystrikism, but it exists for those who seek more than just an absence of belief or knowledge in their lives. Mystrikism provides a structured ethical framework, a sense of community and identity, and a connection to the reality that other somewhat anthropocentric secular groups often overlook. Unlike atheism or agnosticism, which are merely conclusions about belief or knowledge, Mystrikism offers guidance on how to live ethically, grow continuously, and find meaning in life without supernatural elements.
This isn’t about replacing personal thought but creating a foundation for those who want rational, “spiritual” connection without abandoning reason. Mystrikism is a deliberate step toward a thoughtful and ethical approach to living, embracing our imperfections and inviting us to marvel at the universe in a way that feels both real and profound. It’s a path, not a prescription, simply there for those who find value in it.
“Appealing to people who can’t throw off religious chains.”
This argument is insulting and baseless and shows a complete lack of empathy, not to mention tolerance. It assumes that anyone interested in secular “spirituality” is somehow weak-minded or clinging to religious crutches. That’s far from the truth. Mystrikism is for those who have either outgrown supernatural beliefs or never bought into them in the first place. I may not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but even as a kid, I was wise enough to see through religious claims. I never needed to “break free” from belief because I never fell into it.
Mystrikism isn’t here to “free” people but to offer a thoughtful, ethical perspective and alternative for those who value science, kindness, and humility. Calling this “stupid” isn’t just intolerant and derogatory. It shows a disturbing disrespect for other ways of thinking. Mystrikism doesn’t force anyone to join; it’s simply available for those who align with its principles.
“Atheism’s strength is leaving childish things behind.”
Here, the critic reveals a narrow and cynical view of human experience. To call honesty, kindness, and ethics “childish” is a bleak perspective on being human. Mystrikism embraces these “childish” things, recognising that wonder, compassion, and curiosity are not just remnants of youth but crucial elements of a meaningful life. Rejecting these doesn’t make one more “grown-up.” It makes them less connected to humanity and the beauty of reality.
“Stop coddling the immature and delusional.”
This critic’s language is, frankly, elitist and cruel. It’s deeply ironic to claim to promote a rational worldview while dismissing others with such baseless hostility. Mystrikism isn’t about coddling anyone; it’s about providing a sensible path that honours compassion, integrity, and the pursuit of knowledge. If some find that immature or “delusional,” it says more about their lack of empathy and their state of rationality than it does about the merits of Mystrikism.
This critic’s remarks, wrapped in unveiled aggression and disdain, betray a closed-minded stance that cannot see beyond their convictions. Mystrikism isn’t here to force belief or convert; it’s a philosophical option. Unlike the critic, it holds space for diversity of thought and mutual respect. If some people want to belittle that, Mystrikism will continue to advance without them.
Oh joy, you’re an idiot too. You’ve got a stupid, laughable, meaningless religion that does nothing, wants nothing and is nothing. You sound like a cult, roaming the Internet, looking for anyone who doesn’t like you so you can whine. You sound like the Scientologists.
Go fuck yourself.
This is the kind of stuff we expect from cults, but it’s a completely useless cult because it does nothing. It doesn’t even make you money, which sure, it’s good that it’s not a scam, but this comes off as nothing but a personal ego brigade. You just want to feel important. Instead, you look pathetic.
Not much of a surprise, if you ask me.