secularism
SEK-yoo-luh-riz-um
/ˈsɛkjʊlərɪzəm/
The principle of separation of the state from religious institutions, or the belief that religion should not influence public policy.
Represents an ideology or political philosophy, distinct from the simple adjective 'secular'.
The story behind the word. Coined in 1851 by English reformer George Jacob Holyoake. Holyoake sought a respectful term for promoting human well-being through rational means without attacking religious believers directly.
Word relationships
- laicism: 'Laicism' specifically stresses the total exclusion of ecclesiastical influence from state affairs.
- theocracy: 'Theocracy' is government ruled directly by religious leaders or divine law.
Commonly confused with
- atheism: 'Atheism' is the personal lack of belief in deities, while 'secularism' is a social framework for neutral governance.
Word family
- secularist (noun): An advocate of secularism.
Collocations
- assert secularism
- principle of secularism
- militant secularism
- state secularism
Example sentences
- "French laïcité is a strict interpretation of secularism designed to keep public education free from religious influence." Political Philosophy
- "George Jacob Holyoake coined the term secularism in 1851 to describe a social order devoted to the improvement of this life without reference to theology." Historical Discourse (Historical Analysis)
Memory hook
SECULAR + ISM: The system (ism) that keeps civic life secular. State and faith on separate paths.
When not to use
Do not confuse with atheism; secularism governs political structure, not personal disbelief in God.
Fun facts
- Holyoake invented the word specifically because he felt 'atheism' was too provocative and argumentative for polite constructive policy debates.
Related words
Explore more words
secularization, secular, separatism, anticlerical, irreligion, laicization
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