there are many things that are "deeply personal and important" to many people, vanilla and otherwise, and which they are very passionate about, but they are clearly not "like religion". religion is people coming together to worship a supernatural entity, like Jesus, God, etc.
i am completely lost as to your confusion of BDSM with religion, but...carry on and good luck in your quest. the next part is not about you, jsut so you don't think i am addressing you - just making a comment.
as far as newsletters and whatnot, without knowing the particlulars i can't comment on that newsletter, but newsletters, individual clubs, forums and organizations do NOT a lifestyle make. i believe everyone subscribes to the "Safe Sane and Consensual" maxim.