I think Sebeok was motivated to imagine a religion to counter doubt: the common followers would not question the inner circle which preserved the texts. This idea is a staple of earlier sociology and anthropology of religion where scholars who mostly weren’t believers studied faith communities. 5/
Religious studies scholars are helpful in countering this approach (which requires analysts to presume believers are simpler in their reactions). Anthropologists of religion today as well. Faith community members vary in their trust; there can’t be a religion people will follow without question. 6/6
Fascinating, thanks for sharing!