I like to think it's a bit of both. It philosophically teaches the nine noble virtues which were in the original religion, as old as nature itself. And will still exist passed the time of man.
The following quote from Seneca is highly relevant here. In my opinion, he clearly acknowledges here that Stoicism shares very important characteristica with religion.
”Just as the more sacred elements of a religion are known only to initiates, so in philosophy the inmost parts are revealed only to those who have been fully admitted and received into its mysteries. But precepts and the like are also shared with outsiders.”
I like to think it's a bit of both. It philosophically teaches the nine noble virtues which were in the original religion, as old as nature itself. And will still exist passed the time of man.
The following quote from Seneca is highly relevant here. In my opinion, he clearly acknowledges here that Stoicism shares very important characteristica with religion.
”Just as the more sacred elements of a religion are known only to initiates, so in philosophy the inmost parts are revealed only to those who have been fully admitted and received into its mysteries. But precepts and the like are also shared with outsiders.”
- Seneca, Letters 95.64
Many thanks for sharing, dear Jannik.✍️👏