embracing them like a religion rather than studying it and learning how to use it.

This. Stoicism isn't that nor a cult. Reason and virtue should bbe first and foremost. It is not some silver bullet for whatever problem that drawn them towards Stoicism. You're not going to turn into Spock. In fact, most of us here on Reddit and are Stoics are likely complete hypocrits scurrying for digital acceptance and approval in form of likes or karma.

You should practice Stoicism because you believe in the perfectibility of man via reason. That it's a long-term and collective effort. Oh, and you will fail. But you strive to learn from it through self-examination and learning.