"I don't know how many sacred cows there are today. I think there's a little confusion between humor and gross passing for humor. That's kind of regrettable"

This quote by Bob Newhart is referring to the concept of "spiritual cows" which is a metaphor for something that is thought about to be untouchable or off-limits. In this case, Bob Newhart is suggesting that there are particular topics or ideas that are considered to be too conscious joke about. He is also indicating that there is a lack of understanding between what is humorous and what is merely offending. He thinks that this confusion is regrettable, as it can lead to individuals making jokes that are unsuitable or painful. Bob Newhart is recommending that we need to be more mindful of the subjects we joke about and be more familiar with the prospective repercussions of our words.