Sex is the mysticism of materialism and the only possible religion in a materialistic society.

Malcolm Muggeridge’s quote, "Sex is the mysticism of materialism and the only possible religion in a materialistic society," suggests that in a society focused primarily on materialism—that is, the belief that physical possessions and bodily pleasures are the highest values—sex becomes a substitute for deeper, spiritual meaning. Mysticism, which typically refers to the pursuit of divine knowledge and the transcendent, is, in Muggeridge's view, replaced by the physical act of sex, which people in a materialistic society often elevate to a form of ritual or worship. He argues that sex is the most prominent and meaningful experience in a society that has lost sight of higher spiritual values.

The phrase "the only possible religion in a materialistic society" suggests that in such a world, where the spiritual is overlooked and material wealth and pleasure dominate, sex becomes the closest thing to a religious experience. People, in their quest for meaning, may seek fulfillment through sexuality, turning it into an all-encompassing pursuit akin to worship or ritual. Muggeridge critiques this shift, arguing that while sex may fulfill bodily desires, it cannot provide the spiritual satisfaction that a genuine connection with something transcendent might offer.

Muggeridge, a British journalist and social critic, often explored the intersection of modernity and spirituality in his work. As a former secular thinker who later embraced Christianity, he was highly critical of modern society's obsession with materialism and sensuality. This quote reflects his broader critique of contemporary life, where he saw people turning to physical satisfaction to fill the spiritual void left by the decline of traditional religious practices.

The origin of this quote can be traced to Muggeridge’s commentary on the cultural shifts of the 20th century, particularly in Western societies. As consumerism and materialism became more dominant, Muggeridge saw a rise in the deification of sex and pleasure. His provocative statement underscores his belief that without a genuine spiritual foundation, the only thing left for people to worship in a materialistic society is the body and its desires, which he saw as a misguided substitute for true mysticism and religion.