What is Secularism?


Secularity is the state of being free from religious or spiritual qualities. This means that religious belief should be kept in the privacy of an individual. The belief or non belief of a person is deliberately ignored by state administration. This does not mean any rejection or denial of religion.
Secularism has two distinct meanings:

  1. It asserts the freedom of religion, and freedom from religion, within a state that is neutral on matters of belief, and gives no state privileges or subsidies to religions.
  2. It refers to a belief that human activities and decisions should be based on evidence and fact, and not superstitious beliefs, however devoutly held, and that policy should be free from religious domination.  
    This implies that no teaching of religion (or atheist ideology) should happen in any state owned school, or that any teaching related to this be treated equally.

In simple terms, being secular is not anti-religious. In contrary, being secular helps nationals to be treated equally what ever are their personal belief and makes each community respect the other no matter what religion or conception of life there may be. Proselytism is accepted under mutual respect of the secular law (no proselytism in public institutions). This helps to limit extremist influences on all sides.

How can Secularism help us?

The better question would be 'how could it not?' It is obvious we live in a world of conflict due mostly because of religious disagreements. Applying simple laws and regulations, keeping belief out of decision making can bring respect back into the world's dealings. Secularism avoids conflicts in decision makers that lead to extremist takin over power. It also avoids politics based on 'lucky numbers', Stars position, and any other very questionable methods of thinking based on unverifiable trends.

International Secularism: How?

Secularity is far from being accepted in many countries, and there is much discussion today on this subject. To be well applied, secularity must allow an equality of religions, respect of beliefs and be without distinctions of race and offer freedom of conscience. The citizen has rights but also has duties that must be respected:


Secularism allows cohabitation between state and religion, without being influenced by the religious doctrine.
Contrary to the laic state, a secular state can officially recognize all religions and beliefs and give them rights (for example: humanitarian), and obligations (conformity to the rules of the country,  respect for other beliefs).