secular metaphors

"Secular values" pointed out that since values and religion are so intertwined, and values are so important for individuals of a society to make good decisions, the marginalization or elimination of religion from culture must also include secular substitutes for values. In a similar way, the metaphors of a culture both intertwine with religion and serve important cultural functions. Therefore, secular metaphors must be introduced along with secular values.

Examples of cultural metaphors from Christianity are David and Goliath, Noah, Adam, Lazarus, Samson, Moses, Solomon, and Jesus, of course. Turns of phrase from Christianity include "let he who is without sin", "lamb to the slaughter", "go the extra mile", "feet of clay", "wolf in sheep's clothing", "wheat from the chaff", "wash my hands of", "turn the other cheek", "straight and narrow", "scapegoat", "salt of the earth". Some concepts from Christianity commonly alluded to include the Apocalypse and all the associated symbols like the Four Horsemen, numerous stories like Babel and the Ark and the battle of Jericho, parables or teachings like the Good Shepherd. Moreover, cultural metaphors from other religions also abound. Consider "herculean", "sisyphean", "Midas touch", "titanic", "tantalizing", "procrustean", "Achilles heel".

The official or inclusive stance on religious metaphors usually seems to be that these metaphors are really metaphors from influential literature that happened to be religious in nature. It's true that metaphorical uses of the above elements jettison the important theological meanings of the originals. For instance, David's victory over Goliath was a divine work or gift, as was Samson's strength and Solomon's wisdom. But merely placing the metaphors in the same category as "lilliputian" and "something is rotten in Denmark" doesn't change the fact that the metaphors originate from the exact "dangerously deranged religions" that some wish would just go away or become irrelevant or benign. If supernatural belief is a metaphorical millstone around the neck (oops, the Bible mentions that too) of humanity, wouldn't it at least be more satisfactory for the irredeemably-flawed associated metaphors to be replaced by secular metaphors? Or am I opening Pandora's Box, so to speak, by mentioning this challenge?

In any case, it seems rather hypocritical when people who loudly cry against supernatural beliefs continue to mine those beliefs for artistic metaphors. You have your own set of anti-theistic beliefs, which you are proud of (and why not be proud of your beliefs when everyone else is proud of theirs?). Why not use metaphors from beliefs you hold?