Secularism: A Very Short Introduction

The integration of church and state was taken for granted until the modern period. From the eighteenth century onwards, some European states began to set up their political order on a different basis, such as the rule of law through non-religious values embedded in constitutions. Secularism is an increasingly hot topic in public, political, and religious debate across the globe, embodied in the conflict between secular republics and the challenges they face from resurgent religious identity politics. Andrew Copson tells the story of secularism, taking in momentous episodes in world history, such as the transition of Europe from religious orthodoxy to pluralism, the global struggle for human rights and democracy, and the origins of modernity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 11 July 2019
Publisher: Oxford University Press

The seamless fusion of church (or other religious) and state (or political life) had long been assumed until the modern era. In Christian Europe, pre-Christian Europe, and the Arabic world, the political order was intrinsically linked to an official religion. However, a significant shift occurred in the eighteenth century, as certain European states began to establish their political systems on a different foundation. Rather than relying on religion, they began to build their foundations on the rule of law, incorporating non-religious values into their constitutions. This movement, known as secularism, gained momentum and evolved into various forms across different regions. In some countries, a de facto secularism emerged, where political values and civil and criminal law shifted their purported basis from a shared religion to a non-religious one.

Secularism has become a highly contentious topic in public, political, and religious discourse worldwide. It manifests in the ongoing conflict between secular republics, such as the United States and India, and the challenges they face from resurgent religious identity politics. Religious states, like those in the Arab world, also grapple with the rise of secularists who challenge their traditional religious foundations. In countries like China, the demand for freedom of belief and freedom of thought clashes with a state-imposed non-religious worldview.

In this concise introduction, Andrew Copson delves into the history of secularism, encompassing pivotal moments in global history, including the transition from religious orthodoxy to pluralism, the global struggle for human rights and democracy, and the origins of modernity. He also explores the role of secularism in addressing some of the most contentious political and legal issues of our time, such as blasphemy, apostasy, religious persecution, religious discrimination, religious schools, and the freedom of belief and freedom of thought in a divided world.

Secularism has played a significant role in shaping the world we live in today. It has provided a framework for separating religion from state, promoting equality and justice, and fostering a sense of common humanity. However, secularism is not without its challenges. It requires a delicate balance between preserving religious freedom and protecting secular values, and navigating the complex dynamics between different religious and cultural traditions.

As we continue to navigate the evolving landscape of secularism, it is essential to recognize its importance and the potential it holds for promoting peace, tolerance, and social progress. By embracing secularism, we can create a world where everyone can live and thrive, regardless of their religious beliefs or lack thereof.

Weight: 130g
Dimension: 176 x 113 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198747222