He defined religion as a subset of the general theme, myth, but specifically as a set of myths accepted by a society as the official representation of its world view. It includes a history of the club, profiles of the Club's early leaders, a glowing portrait of Muir with quotes from his writings, and an extensive analysis of how the club is fighting the good fight for ecology, social justice, and sustainable life on earth. It offers an image of the universe in conformance with current scientific knowledge. In fact, a recurring theme in the book is the scientific basis for everything the club does. It attempts to validate, support and imprint its views on club members by getting them involved in club-sponsored activities, either recreational, political, or both.
Societies always try to mold their life to their operating mythology.
They also try to mold their myth to their needs and their dreams. The heart of this myth is the appreciation of the values of Nature, especially as epitomized by Wilderness. I think Abbey was right. His life became a hero's life because those who agree with him have seen him as their hero. His name appears on a National Monument, a National Historic Site, an Alaskan Glacier, schools, campsites, a mountain pass, a 14,000 foot peak, and a trail.