SECULAR meaning and definition

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What Does Secular Mean?

In today's society, the term "secular" is often thrown around in conversations about politics, religion, and culture. But what does it really mean to be secular?

At its core, secular refers to a sense of separation between church and state, or more broadly, between religious beliefs and everyday life. In other words, secularism is the idea that religious beliefs should not influence government policies or institutions, nor should they dictate how people live their daily lives.

In a secular society, people are free to practice their religion (or not) without fear of persecution or discrimination by the government. This means that individuals can make their own choices about their faith, and those choices will not be influenced by external factors such as laws or societal pressure.

Secularism also implies a sense of neutrality in public institutions, such as schools, courts, and hospitals. In a secular society, these institutions do not promote or favor any particular religious belief or practice. Instead, they focus on providing services and education that are accessible to all people, regardless of their beliefs or backgrounds.

The concept of secularism is rooted in the idea of tolerance and respect for diversity. It recognizes that different people have different beliefs and values, and that these differences should be celebrated rather than suppressed. In a secular society, people are free to live their lives according to their own values and principles, without fear of interference or coercion from others.

Secularism is not the same thing as atheism or agnosticism, although some people who identify as secular may also identify as non-religious. Secularism is more about creating a society that is fair and just for all people, regardless of their beliefs. It's about recognizing the importance of individual freedom and autonomy in making choices about one's own life.

In today's world, secularism is particularly important because it provides a framework for coexistence among people with different beliefs and values. In a globalized society where people are increasingly interconnected, secularism can help to promote understanding, tolerance, and respect among people of all faiths (and no faith).

Some examples of secular societies include the United States, Canada, Australia, and many European countries. These societies have developed institutions and laws that protect religious freedom while also separating church and state.

In conclusion, secular means a sense of separation between religious beliefs and everyday life. It implies neutrality in public institutions, tolerance for diversity, and respect for individual freedom and autonomy. Secularism is essential for creating a fair and just society where people can live their lives according to their own values and principles, without fear of interference or coercion from others.

Sources:

• "What Does 'Secular' Mean?" by American Humanist Association
• "What Is Secularism?" by the Secular Coalition for America
• "The Meaning of Secularity" by Charles Taylor (book)

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