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How has secularism evolved over time in different parts of the world?

Malcom Haggath

Over the course of history, secularism has undergone significant changes and transformations in various parts of the world. Secularism, the separation of religion from government and education, has had a long, complex and fascinating history.

In the Western world, secularism has evolved dramatically since the Enlightenment. During the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries there were growing movements that sought to separate religion from politics. The Enlightenment movement, which was characterized by a critical spirit and a questioning of traditional values, was instrumental in promoting secularism in Europe and the Americas. One of the key figures in this movement was the philosopher John Locke, whose ideas about liberty and political authority were critical to the evolution of the concept of secularism.

The French Revolution was a key moment in the history of secularism in Europe. During the revolution, attempts were made to create a completely secular society, with religion being replaced by a new form of civic morality. The revolution saw the abolition of religious hierarchies and the creation of a new secular state, which was based on the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity.

In the twentieth century, secularism continued to evolve in Europe and America. This was particularly evident in the rise of secularization, which was born out of a growing sense of skepticism and criticism towards religion. This trend was particularly evident in the Scandinavian countries, which have become some of the most secular countries in the world.

Outside of the Western world, secularism has had a more mixed record. In countries like Turkey and China, secularism has been associated with modernization and the creation of a new social order. In these cases, secularism has been seen as a way of breaking free from traditional social norms and customs. However, there have also been many instances where secularism has been viewed as a threat to traditional values and customs, particularly in some Islamic countries.

In the Islamic world, secularism has been a contentious issue. Many Muslim scholars have seen secularism as an attempt to separate religion from politics, which they believe is impossible. This has led to tensions between Islamic states and secular governments in Europe and the Americas.

In India, secularism has taken on a much more complex and multifaceted character. Here, secularism is seen as a way of protecting the rights of religious minorities and ensuring that the government remains neutral on matters of religion. However, in India, secularism has also been used as a tool of political exploitation, particularly by the ruling Congress Party.

Overall, secularism has evolved in different ways in different parts of the world. While it has had a transformative impact in Europe and America, it has often been viewed with suspicion or outright hostility in other parts of the world. Nonetheless, secularism remains an important ideological force in today's world, particularly as new challenges arise from the rise of globalism and the growing threat of political extremism.