secularism
UK: ˈsɛkjʊləˌrɪzəm | US: ˈsɛkjələˌrɪzəm
n. The principle of separation of religion from civil affairs and the state.
n. A system of beliefs or practices that rejects religious influence on public life.
The word "secularism" derives from the Latin "saecularis," meaning "of the age" or "worldly," contrasting with the sacred or eternal. The suffix "-ism" denotes a distinct system or ideology. Coined in the mid-19th century by British reformer George Holyoake, it originally described a social framework prioritizing ethical living independent of religious dogma. The morpheme "secular" reflects its focus on temporal (non-religious) matters, while "-ism" frames it as a formal philosophy.
Secularism ensures equal rights for citizens of all faiths in government policies.
The constitution upholds secularism by prohibiting state-sponsored religion.
Critics argue that secularism marginalizes traditional religious values in public life.
France's strict secularism bans overt religious symbols in schools.
Modern secularism promotes scientific reasoning over supernatural explanations.