Secularisation as Philosophical Concept and as Real Thing
Before secularisation came into existence, some philosophers and scholars had predicted it. George Holyoake was the first writer to describe it in 1851. According to him, secularisation is a self-sufficient social order. Although he described it as separate from religion, he did not dismiss religion. George viewed secular faith as a way of life.
Secularisation is the separation of religion from the government; it entails the replacement of religious laws such as Sharia law with civil laws. Philosophy describes it in terms of materialism. Supporters argue that it not only led to modernization but also eliminated discrimination based on religious practices and encouraged freedom of worship.
Apart from George Holyoake, other scholars who contributed to secularisation include; James Madison, Thomas Paine, John Locke, and Thomas Jefferson. The Charvaka system of philosophy in India is one of the earliest documentations of secularisation. Its main aim was to dismiss religious practices. Zeno of Citium and Marcus Aurelius are also good examples of ancient works. George Holyoake termed secularisation as a code of duty meant for this life. It is for those who do not believe in theology, and it has three principles; enhancement of life through materialism, availability of science to the providence of man, and doing what is right. There are two types of secularization, soft and hard; hard secularisation refutes religious propositions. Soft secularisation is more liberal and tolerant.
John Locke proposed religious tolerance. He urged governments to treat religions fairly and equally. Secularisation began in the West, during the classical philosophy period. It disappeared for some time and reappeared during reformation and renaissance. Since its actualization, various states have adopted secularisation. They include; France, Turkey, the United States, and South Korea. Although they have different styles of leadership in terms of religion, secularisation is the foundation. Some scholars, particularly from the United States, oppose it; they view it as a threat to Christianity.
Since governments believe in secular faith, some people argue that they should not base their decisions on religion, particularly in controversial issues such as same-sex marriage, sex education, and abortion. Most people prefer secularisation in the 20th-century as it allows freedom of speech and conscience.
Religions describe modern democracies as secular due to a lack of involvement of religious leaders in political decision making. Secularisation has brought about various advantages. They include; democracy and fairness, equality in distribution of public services, and freedom of thought and speech. Some people describe it as atheism, but it is not.
References
Taylor, Charles. “The meaning of secularism.” The Hedgehog Review 12.3 (2010): 23-35.
Bilgrami, Akeel. “Two Concepts of Secularism: Reason, Modernity, and Archimedean Ideal.” and Political Weekly (1994): 1749-1761.
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