So just how is professionalism religious?

On the surface of it, it is not -- unless the term 'professionalism' is being used as a cloak and foil to further one's own agenda that has nothing to do with a professional code of ethics.

Aside from this disingenuous possibility, the lack of profanity in a professional context boils down to the economics of respect (and, more directly, downstream sales in a business context). In the arena of respect, as with that of profit, one either caters to near the lowest common denominator in an attempt to minimize risk, or they embrace risk and become a maverick.

Many people, especially if they are pursuing moralistic agendas, ignore the possibility of existing somewhere between these two alternatives.

Matt