This text analyzes the secularized forms of monotheistic and polytheistic religions as tendencies in social and political order that are inclining towards, respectively, a 'monomyth' (orthodoxy, consensus, conformism) or towards the acceptance of a plurality of myths. The article discusses the prospects of a society in which no consensus concerning basic principles (that is, no orthodoxy, the correct opinion on things) has priority; but rather what would take priority would instead be an orientation on common rituals and practices (orthopraxy). Such a society would be more immune to conflicting opinions and outlooks, and can grant freedom of thought, speech and religion in a more generous and stable way. Taking as a point of departure Spinoza's dictum that people should obey in practice, but can be free in their thought and speech the article elaborates especially on Odo Marguard's criticism of monotheism. In his view, monotheism as a tendency has survived secularization by means of its continuation in myths of progress. He makes a plea for an "enlightened polytheism" based on the acceptance of the institutionalized practices of civility.
