write an essay on secularism
Answers
Secularism in society has been a hot issue for decades, if not longer, and is a popular subject of debate and essay writing. Some argue that secularism is at fault for a perceived decline in the morality of society, whereas others feel that secularism represents a positive trajectory for society to take in terms of progress. At the same time, however, it is important to note that secularism is hardly an original concept in modern society and that the evolution of secularism can be traced over time. This sample sociology essay explores the modern concept of secularism in contemporary society.
Secularism in contemporary society
Secularism is an important principle in modern societies. Despite the modernity of the concept, it was developed through the teachings of ancient Greek philosophers and played a part in everyday ancient Greek culture. Over time as the principle has evolved secularism was able to be distinctly defined. Secularism can be defined as the separation of church and state. In other words, political decisions will not be influenced by any religious institutions.
The concept can also be expanded to all decisions governing the lives of its citizens, not just political ones. This allows citizens to have reassurances that a religion they may or may not believe in will not influence the laws that govern their daily lives. Secular societies are usually found in democracies and can be found in many nations around the world although the versions of the concept may differ from country to country.
Individual conception of secularism
Despite the prevalence of the principle, not all individuals are supportive of the concept. Religious individuals may find that secularism is constricting on their religious freedoms and have largely viewed the principle as a war against their religion.
“The anti-secularists are decidedly unhappy with even the liberal democracies, not because these systems are capitalist or insufficiently democratic but because their 'liberalism' enshrines a conscious separation of private meaning and public legitimacy" (Vanaik, 1997)
There have also been claims that the concept of secularism is not as modern a concept as has been thought. Certain scholars theorize that the concept of secularism itself will change. Through demonstrating the way in which secularism has developed over time the modernity of the concept will be established. Secularism all over the world will also be analyzed to demonstrate the modernity of the concept.
Implementing a set of moral codes
The principle of secularism is a modern concept as it frees individuals from the constraints of religion. The concept is modern as the religious myths were dispelled with the rise of rationality.
“There is something about modernity that erodes the plausibility of religious belief and weakens the influence of religious symbols in the social structure and culture at large.” (Hunter, 1983).
Secularism is a concept that is modern in all themes of modernity: political, cultural, scientific and philosophical. Secularism is politically modern as during the Enlightenment it was determined that politics should be focused on not on how society should be but how it actually is. In that form secularism can assist in doing this as religion in government can influence politicians to create laws which ascribe to a religious ideal of how society should be.
Secularism is also culturally modern as individuals no longer rely on religion to govern their daily lives. In the past religion would dictate when individuals would eat, what work they would complete, whom they would marry, or what activities they could engage in. For modern individuals, religion no longer governs their lives in the same way it did for those living in medieval times. Secularism is also a scientifically modern concept as science refutes many of the beliefs held by religions. Modernity establishes itself on what is rational and religious beliefs are not rational which is what makes secularism entirely modern.
Explanation:
Explanation:India is a country comprising of various religions such as Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Sikhism, etc. Secularism is one of the most important achievements of independent India as it has ensured equal treatment of people in all aspects regardless of their caste, religion, beliefs, etc. After the colonial struggle and their concept of Divide and Rule, our foundations and unity among different religious groups were shattered. This called for the establishment of a secular state where government does not formulate policies and makes decisions favoring or loathing a particular religious group or caste.
Explanation:India is a country comprising of various religions such as Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Sikhism, etc. Secularism is one of the most important achievements of independent India as it has ensured equal treatment of people in all aspects regardless of their caste, religion, beliefs, etc. After the colonial struggle and their concept of Divide and Rule, our foundations and unity among different religious groups were shattered. This called for the establishment of a secular state where government does not formulate policies and makes decisions favoring or loathing a particular religious group or caste.The inculcation of secularism in the constitution brings along many other fundamental rights of the citizens of the country such as the right to expression and religious freedom. India being home to people of a large number of religions, it is more prone to religious conflicts and other political and social damage. Secularism here ensures the proper and fair functioning of the government meanwhile providing all the religious groups with the rights to practice the religion of their choice and express their opinions and beliefs freely without fear or hesitation.
Explanation:India is a country comprising of various religions such as Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Sikhism, etc. Secularism is one of the most important achievements of independent India as it has ensured equal treatment of people in all aspects regardless of their caste, religion, beliefs, etc. After the colonial struggle and their concept of Divide and Rule, our foundations and unity among different religious groups were shattered. This called for the establishment of a secular state where government does not formulate policies and makes decisions favoring or loathing a particular religious group or caste.The inculcation of secularism in the constitution brings along many other fundamental rights of the citizens of the country such as the right to expression and religious freedom. India being home to people of a large number of religions, it is more prone to religious conflicts and other political and social damage. Secularism here ensures the proper and fair functioning of the government meanwhile providing all the religious groups with the rights to practice the religion of their choice and express their opinions and beliefs freely without fear or hesitation.There have been certain instances in history where the majority groups have tried to establish their dominance over various minority groups and sometimes also on the government. The implementation of secularism has kept this issue in check by working independently from the religious groups and giving out equal freedom to all the religions and castes. Secularism also has some threats and barriers but it is the responsibility of the secular state to work tirelessly with the goal of achieving peace and understanding among all the religions prevailing and allow the harmonious working of the governmental organizations meanwhile providing fundamental rights to all the citizens irrespective of their caste, religion, beliefs etc.