Secular State

What is Secularism?

Jews have historically been discriminated against in Europe, while Arab minorities face exclusion in Israel. Subtle discrimination persists against non-Christians in parts of Europe. Concerns arise regarding religious minorities in Pakistan and Bangladesh. Secularism remains vital for addressing discrimination globally....

Inter-religious Domination

Every Indian citizen has the right to live freely and honorably in any area of the nation, according to the Indian Constitution. Many restrictions and forms of prejudice still exist today. For instance, during the 1984 riots, around 2,700 Sikhs were slaughtered. Many members of a particular community pray on account of their religious recognition. Some incidents are instances of religious oppression. The main ideology that runs against to all of these manifestations of interreligious sovereignty is secularism....

Intra-religious Domination

An inherent part of the human experience is the sense of loss and isolation. Philosophy, art, and religion are reactions to certain pains. It is not anti-religious to be secular. When religion is rationalized, its more orthodox adherents frequently seize control of it. In several US states, religious fanaticism has become a major issue. Numerous religions fragment, which occasionally results in sectarian bloodshed and the mistreatment of those who disagree. Many religions break up into small pieces, leading to periodic sectarian violence and maltreatment of dissenting minorities. Inter-religious supremacy is not the only indicator of religious dominance. It requires another important structure, most notably the subjugation of people within the same religion. Secularism challenges both intra- and interreligious dominance because it rejects all forms of institutionalized religious power....

Secular State

To be a completely secular state, a state must not only refuse to be theocratic but also should have no formal, legal alliance with any religion. Seperation of religion from state is important but not a sufficient ingredient for secular state. Secular state should be committed to the principles and also goals which are at least partly derived from any non- religious sources. This would include peace, religious freedom, freedom from religiously grounded oppression and so forth....

Need of Secular state

1. Preventing Religious Discrimination...

Western Model of Secularism

In the context of America, the Western model of secularism is characterized by the following key aspects:...

The Indian Model of Secularism

The Indian model of secularism is distinct from the Western model and is characterized by several unique features shaped by India’s history, diversity, and socio-political context. Here are the key aspects of the Indian model of secularism:...

Indian vs. Western model of secularism

Aspect Western Secularism Indian Secularism Focus Emphasis on separation of religion and state Emphasis on inter-religious equality and diversity Religious Interference Mutual exclusion between state and religion Allows for state engagement with religion if necessary Policy Basis No policy based on exclusively religious rationale State may initiate or support religious reforms State Aid to Religious Institutions Prohibited Allowed for minority communities Minority Rights Little scope for community-based or minority rights Protects rights of both individuals and minority communities Approach to Religious Reform No place for state-supported religious reform State can support religious reforms if needed Tolerance vs. Equality Tolerance for religious diversity, neglects inter-religious equality Emphasis on equality within and between religious communities State Engagement with Religion Generally disengages with religion Can engage with religion positively or negatively Education No financial support to religious educational institutions Support for minority community educational institutions...

Criticism of Indian secularism

1. Anti-religious...

Conclusion

In conclusion, secularism stands as a principled doctrine opposing all forms of religious domination, both inter-religious and intra-religious. It promotes religious freedom, equality, and peaceful coexistence within diverse societies. While subject to criticisms, including accusations of being anti-religious and Western-centric, its implementation, as seen in the Indian model, reflects a dynamic approach tailored to local contexts. Secularism, essential for fostering social harmony and protecting individual liberties, remains a vital framework for building inclusive and pluralistic societies worldwide....

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What is secularism?...