Etymology can be helpful but it does not define modern useage of words. The context of the post did seem a bit far reaching. We can put deep psychological and cultural labels on anything we wish. I do not believe there is a god. It is not due to my culture but dispite it. I do not think I'm cool for not believing. It is not a social status( it would be a poor one). I do not care about being the Maverik. I just want to be recognized if at all a normal human being that cares about humans. This post was interesting but I did not find it particularly usefull rather I think it could be confusing to many.

I thought you died?

Now, that was interesting.

We have a plan, it’s called democracy, government and law. Religion hasn’t prevented, hubristic, fractious, tribal behaviour, anymore than government and law has, I would argue.
Much of most cultures’ government and laws have come about due to their predominant religion at the time of creation, and so we have used them to inform our current system: thus we have not thrown the baby out with the bath water, simply evolved.
(P.s. religions know this, shown by the funding they provide at times to forward their beliefs in the system, when they feel it is getting too progressive.)

You make some good points and I am in basic agreement. I especially like your statement that religion has never been about belief in unbelievable things.

By all means, let’s throw out the bath water and keep the baby. I’m not sure how much of that baby concerns discipline and planning. While we all need discipline and planning for various undertakings, I think of religion as deep awareness, awe and reverence for the mysteries of reality. In so far as that reverence is facilitated through discipline, planning and analysis, then you are correct.

As an analogy, to obtain a PHD in physics requires intense discipline and planning. To make revolutionary discoveries about nature requires an independent and open mind, a free spirit, curiosity and wonder.

heathen is a word used by Christians to describe non Christians and means virtually the same as pagan so your comment is etymologically absurd

There you go again with opinions that are just opinions but postrd as if a truism wuth yourself as supporting link. Again, that's what you think, does not make it true or real. In fact I think the statement is bullshit and that is my opinion.

Because Egypt, Sumeria, Persia, and most of South America, plus African empires.......

Depends on how you define heathen doesn't it.