Secularism

(secularists)

Secular is often contrasted with words like sacred or religious to indicate a focus on matters of the material world. The distinction only makes sense if it is assumed that religion can be separated from other parts of human activity, so that some areas of life can be viewed as religious and others as non-religious, or secular. Such an assumption is uncommon in traditional societies but common in modern societies. In traditional societies, religion and politics were (and are) indistinguishable areas of activity carried out by the same people in the same institutions. Australian society differentiates between religion and politics, priests and politicians, temples and parliaments. Having accepted such distinctions, a key question is what relationship religion and politics (along with other non-religious activities) should have to each other.

Secularism provides two different responses to this question. Both of them developed in the nineteenth century and both have been influential in Australian politics. The first response claims that religion has no legitimate role in political life and that politics should focus on tangible human benefits. This view tends to equate religions with dangerous superstitions that impede rational policy-making. The second secular response, often associated with liberalism, argues that religion can have a role in politics; however, one religion should not be privileged over another and nor should religious viewpoints and interests be privileged over secular outlooks and interests.