Secularity facts for kids

Secularity, also known as the secular or secularness, comes from the Latin word Saeculum, which means "worldly" or "of a generation." It describes a state of being neutral or not connected to religion or irreligion. If something doesn't specifically mention religion, either for or against it, it can be called secular. The way things become secular is called secularization, and any idea or belief that supports being secular is known as secularism.

Understanding Secularity

Secularity is about keeping things fair for everyone, no matter what they believe or don't believe. Imagine a school where students come from many different backgrounds and religions. A secular approach means the school doesn't favor any one religion. It treats all students equally, respecting their personal beliefs without promoting or opposing any specific faith.

Secular vs. Religious

To understand secularity better, it helps to see how it's different from things that are religious.

• Religious means something is connected to a specific faith, like a church, a mosque, or a temple. Religious holidays, ceremonies, and teachings are all part of a religion.
• Secular means something is separate from religion. For example, a public library is secular because it's open to everyone and doesn't promote any religion. A science class in a public school is also secular because it teaches facts about the world, not religious beliefs.

Secularization: How Things Become Secular

Secularization is the process where parts of society or culture become less influenced by religious institutions and beliefs. This doesn't mean religion disappears, but its role in public life might change. For example, in many countries, governments used to be closely tied to a specific church. Over time, many governments became more secular, meaning they separated themselves from religious control.

Secularism: The Idea Behind It

Secularism is the idea or belief that government and other public institutions should be separate from religious institutions. It often supports the idea that people should be free to practice any religion they choose, or no religion at all, without the government interfering or favoring one over another.

Why Secularity Matters

Secularity is important for several reasons, especially in societies with many different beliefs.

Fairness for Everyone

One main reason for secularity is to ensure fairness. When a government or public institution is secular, it means it doesn't give special treatment to people of one religion over another. This helps create a level playing field where everyone has the same rights and opportunities, regardless of their faith.

Freedom of Belief

Secularity also protects freedom of belief. In a secular society, people are free to follow their own religious path, change their religion, or choose not to follow any religion at all. The government doesn't force anyone to believe in a certain way. This freedom is a key part of human rights.

Public Services for All

Think about public services like schools, hospitals, and police. If these services were run by a specific religion, they might only serve people of that religion, or they might try to convert others. A secular approach means these services are available to everyone, and they operate based on laws and rules that apply to all citizens, not just those of a particular faith.

Secularity in Daily Life

Secularity shows up in many parts of our daily lives, often without us even noticing.

Government and Laws

In many countries, governments are secular. This means:

• Laws are made by elected officials, not by religious leaders.
• Laws apply to everyone, regardless of their religion.
• The government doesn't fund or promote one religion over others.
• People in government jobs are expected to serve all citizens equally.

Education

Public schools are often secular. This means:

• They teach a broad curriculum that includes science, math, history, and literature, without promoting religious doctrines.
• They respect students' religious backgrounds but don't require religious practices.
• Students from all faiths can attend and learn together.

Public Spaces

Public parks, libraries, and community centers are usually secular spaces. They are open to everyone and don't have religious symbols or activities unless they are specifically rented for a private event. This ensures that these places are welcoming to all members of the community.

Secularity Around the World

Different countries have different levels of secularity. Some countries have a very strict separation between church and state, while others have a state religion but still allow other religions to be practiced.

Examples of Secular States

Many countries, like the United States, France, India, and Turkey, are considered secular states. This means their governments are officially neutral on matters of religion. However, the exact way secularity is put into practice can vary greatly from one country to another. For instance, France has a very strict form of secularism called laïcité, which limits religious displays in public spaces, especially in schools.