Secularism

[[de:S%E4kularisierung]] Secular means "pertaining to time". Perhaps as a result of the doctrine that God and the supernatural realm exist outside of time the word has come to mean pertaining to the natural, as opposed to the supernatural. In astronomical ephemerides the word refers to long-term perturbations in the motion of planets, as opposed to periodic perturbations (see month).

But in the more usual usage, secularism (noun) is the belief that life can be lived, and the universe understood, with little or no reliance on, or reference to, supernatural powers, such as gods. In a secular society, religion (or lack thereof) is a private matter, playing little role in discussions in common public forums.

In studies of religion, modern Western societies are generally recognized as secular:

• there is near-complete freedom of religion (you can believe in any religion or none at all, with little legal or social sanction);
• religion does not dictate political decisions, though the moral views originating in religious traditions remain important in political debate in some countries, such as the United States; in some others, such as France, religious references are considered out-of-place in mainstream politics;
• religion is not as important in most people's lives as it once was.

See also agnosticism, atheism, rationalism, religion, National Secular Society.