If you're implying that I am overestimating risk by comparing it to barbecued meat and exposure to vehicle exhaust then I would say that maybe you're underestimating risk from those two things.
I personally avoid barbecued meat for that exact reason, as well as refrain as much as possible from huffing exhaust fumes. If a lifestyle that allowed me to avoid being near cars were reasonably easy to achieve I would choose it. Because as you say, car exhaust is neurotoxic and carcinogenic.
Because it's magical thinking to believe that the harm caused by the consequences of your actions is ameliorated by your intentions beforehand or your apology afterward. A civilization built on Protestantism wouldn't be less superstitious for holding these as cultural values. Which is where I guess the cult part comes in.
> I think it probably isn't good advocacy
That's pretty strong, can you at least explain why you think that?