The rise of secularism and secularisation

Secularism:

Is the view that religion should have no part to play in the running of the state, the affairs of government and in public life. Secularists are not claiming that religious beliefs are wrong, but simply that they should be separated from public matters

Procedural secularism:

The role of the state is to take into account the interests of all it's citizens. This means that it should not give priority or preference to any religion, but, treat all religions equally.

Programmatic secularism:

The role of the state in a plural multi-faith society is to be purely secular. All religious views or practices should be excluded from public institutions such as government, public events, schools and universities.

Steve Bruce:

Describes Christianity in Britain as a pale shadow of it's former self. Bruce anticipates that in the coming years, Christian membership in Britain will fall below 10%.

Decline in Church membership can already be seen in a dramatic reduction in: church attendance, participation in Sunday school and, the number of people who belong to a church.

Jose Casanova:

Identifies three ways in which people talk about secularisation:

1. The decline of religious belief and practice in society
2. The privatisation of religion – religion seen as something that should not be seen in public e.g. wearing religious symbols to work
3. The secular separation of the state, economy and science which are set free from religious institutions as a new norm

Linda Woodhead:

Highlighted that as the traditional bond between the UK and Christianity seems to be dissolving, spirituality is flourishing.

For example, there has been an increase in spiritual practices such as mindfulness. This indicate that perhaps people are moving away from the theology element of religion, but, still engaging with similar well-being beneficial practices.

The advantages of secularism

• The government is representing all people and cannot therefore show preference to a specific group in society as they have significant influence over policy which needs to be unbiased.
• A separation between Church and state ensures that the motivation behind policies is for the good of all.
• As society has become more secular, the government needs to adapt. A strong link between Church and state will prevent significant progress from being made.

The disadvantages of secularism

• Religion has provided stability within society, ensuring that everyone is held to a moral standard.
• Without these moral standards encouraged by religion, what standard will society be held too? These beliefs and practises ensures that everyone, no matter their religion can be guided into making the right decisions.
• Christianity has always been linked with the government throughout history, to abandon this connection is to ignore the impacts of this accumulated wisdom and tradition.