Profiles Index

Secularism 101: What is Secularism? Is Secularism Anti-Religion, Anti-American?
Secularism is one of the most important movements of the modern West. The influence and power of secularism differentiate the modern West from the Middle Ages and from other regions around the world. Secularism defines the modern West; for some, that is a reason to cheer secularism on, but for others it is a reason to mourn. Secularism preserves the religious neutrality of government and culture, but critics contend that it is an atheistic conspiracy against religion and Christianity.

Are Godlessness & Secularism a Threat to Religious Liberty? Protecting Religion
A common complaint made about secularism is that it is contrary to religious liberty. At best this is a misunderstanding about secularism because a failure to endorse or promote any one religion should not negatively affect the religious liberties of individuals. On the contrary, the creation of spaces where religion is not endorsed or even required can, for many reasons, enhance religious liberty for everyone because it puts everyone one the same footing.

Does Secular Fundamentalism Exist? Do Secular Fundamentalists Exist?
Some Christians say they are in conflict with "secular fundamentalism," but what is this and does it even exist? The most basic characteristics of Christian fundamentalism can't apply to secularism of any sort: virgin birth & deity of Jesus, substitutionary death & physical resurrection of Jesus, and a literal heaven/hell. These aren't the limits of the concept, since the label applies to other religions, but even the characteristics which apply most broadly can't be applied to secularism.

America's Godless Public Square: Godless, Naked Public Square Signifies Liberty
A common complaint from the Christian Right is that strict separation of church and state threatens to create a 'godless' or naked public square and that the goal of secularists, godless atheists, and godless liberals is to do just that. A godless public square appears to be the worst nightmare for the Christian Right, and even some liberal Christians have bought into the idea that there is something wrong with this. They don't realize that the public square is already godless - as it should be.

Is Secularism a Religion? No: Secular Lacks the Attributes of Religions
Calling secularism (the insistence on separation of church and state) a religion should be instantly recognized as an oxymoron, analogous to claiming that bachelors can be married. Sadly this is not the case, and it has become far too common for critics of secularism to claim that it's a religion which is being improperly supported by the government. Examining the characteristics which define religions as distinct from other types of belief systems reveals just how wrong such claims are.