Definition

Noun: A doctrine, principle, or ideology that advocates for the separation of civil government and societal institutions from religious institutions and religious dogma. It promotes the idea that public life, education, and policy should be based on secular (non-religious) principles and rational thought rather than on religious teachings or authority.

Usage

Secularism is used to describe a political or philosophical position. It is often discussed in contexts of governance, law, education, and human rights. - It functions as a singular, uncountable noun. - It is the central concept from which the adjective secular is derived.

Examples

• The country's constitution is founded on the principle of secularism, ensuring the state does not favor any particular religion.
• Secularism in public schools means that religious instruction is not part of the official curriculum.
• His political philosophy is rooted in secularism, emphasizing laws based on human reason rather than divine command.
• Debates about secularism often center on the proper role of religion in a modern, pluralistic society.

Advanced Usage

• Strict vs. Soft Secularism: In political theory, a distinction is sometimes made. (or laïcité) seeks to exclude religion from the public sphere entirely, while (or pluralistic secularism) allows for religious expression in public life as long as no religion is officially endorsed by the state.
• State Secularism: Refers to the official policy of a government to be neutral in matters of religion, neither supporting nor opposing religious belief.
  • The principle of state secularism protects the freedom of all citizens to practice their faith or none at all.

Variants and Related Words

• Secular (adjective): Denoting attitudes, activities, or other things that have no religious or spiritual basis. (e.g., , )
• Secularist (noun): A person who advocates for or believes in secularism.
• Secularization (noun): The historical or social process through which society becomes less influenced by religion.

Synonyms

• Laicity (especially in French context as )
• Non-religiousness (in the context of state policy)
• Religious neutrality (of the state)

Antonyms

• Theocracy (a system of government in which priests rule in the name of God or a god.)
• Religious state
• Clericalism (undue influence of the religious hierarchy in political matters)

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Wall of separation between church and state: A metaphor often used to describe the principle of secularism, particularly in American constitutional law, implying a clear division between religious institutions and the state.
  • The court's decision reinforced the wall of separation between church and state.

Noun

1. a doctrine that rejects religion and religious considerations