What Ism?

There was a time when we’d were raised in a religion or belief system inherited from and propagated by our parents.

The mere fact our family advocated the belief gave it value and authority and permanence.

It gave us a story, a language, routines, and rituals. Community of like-minded believers.

A frame of reference that transcended and explained the day to day, often extending the consequences of our actions, including any reward, beyond our life and into eternity.

It was our stability.

It was our Cosmic Widget.

As religion and belief have lapsed, what are we left with?

What is filling the God-shaped hole?

How do we express our virtue? Our goodness? Our concern for others? Our identity beyond the superficial trappings of ‘happiness’? Our desire for immortality?

What ‘ism’ or ‘anity’ fills the vacuum?