Secularism

Secularism is a principle used to conduct human affairs based on naturalistic considerations. It seeks to keep religion uninvolved with civil affairs and the state. This concept can be broad or narrow in its application. Some use it to minimize religion in the public sphere. Others use it to maintain neutrality toward all religious views. When used as a philosophy, it is often called naturalism. Naturalism focuses on the material world and temporal concerns.

Political secularism involves the regulation of religion by a secular state. This system promotes legal equality for all people regardless of their faith. It often relies on the separation of church and state. This means treating religious and civil entities as two distinct things. One key principle is state supremacy. This means the rule of law is followed over religious canon law. Another principle is internal constraint. This prevents the government from controlling a person's private life. Secularism also supports freedom of thought and religious tolerance.

There are several distinct models of political secularism in practice. The French model is known as laïcité. This is a very strict form of secularism. It requires the state to be officially distanced from all religions. It also distances the state from all non-religious philosophical convictions. A second version is a more humanistic form. This model is indifferent to specific religions. Instead, it focuses on evidence-based policy and human welfare. It aims to prevent discrimination against any group.

A third version is the liberal or "pillarized" model. This is common in German-speaking and Benelux secular states. In these countries, the government may show sympathy to religions. They might even provide funding or licenses to religious groups. However, the state must treat all convictions equally. It cannot be hostile or preferential to any specific group. For example, secular humanist organizations may receive state funding. They receive it using the same formulas used for religious groups.

The history of secularism is long and complex. Its origins can be traced back to the ancient world. In Ancient Greece, religion was prevalent but not involved in governance. The concept also has roots in the Bible and Christian history. During the medieval period, secular and religious entities coexisted. Many theologians and writers shaped these early ideas. These thinkers included St. Augustine, William of Ockham, and John Locke. In 1636, Roger Williams founded the Providence Plantations. This settlement offered total freedom of religion.

Modern terminology for the concept arrived in the 19th century. A British writer named George Holyoake coined the term in 1851. He wanted a word that was less aggravating than "atheism." He hoped to find a term that allowed cooperation with believers. His definition was broader than modern uses. Today, secularism often refers to the separation of church and state. In 1905, France enshrined the principle of laïcité into law. In 1923, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk adopted secularism as a state ideology in Turkey. This was part of a plan to modernize the country.

India provides another significant example of secularism. India became a secular state after gaining independence in 1947. Mahatma Gandhi supported a pluralist version of secularism. He believed it could help manage tensions in a diverse nation. The Indian model emphasizes equality of citizens before the law. Some critics in India use the term "pseudo-secularism." They use this to describe policies they believe favor one religion over others. This shows how difficult it can be to balance different faiths.

Secularism relates to many broader global themes and debates. It is often linked to the growth of democracy. By protecting religious minorities, it can ensure full inclusion for all citizens. However, it is a Western concept that is not universal. Experiences of secularism vary across different cultures and times. Some scholars now discuss "post-secular" models. These models address growing religious influences that challenge old assumptions. Secularism continues to be a major topic in discussions about law and human rights.