Secular State
In political terms, secularism is a movement towards the separation of religion and government. This can refer to reducing ties between a government and a state religion, replacing laws based on scripture (such as the Torah and Sharia law) with civil laws, and eliminating discrimination on the basis of religion. This adds to democracy by protecting the rights of religious minorities.
Secular society:
A secular society pertaing to complete freedom of religion (beliefs on religion generally are not subject to legal or social sanctions), and the lack of authority of religious leaders over political decisions. Nevertheless, religious beliefs are widely considered a relevant part of the political discourse in many of the secular countries.
The nature of a secular society could characterize a secular society as one which:
- Is not homogenous, but is pluralistic.
- Is tolerant. It widens the sphere of private decision-making.
Positive Ideals behind the secular society
- Deep respect for individuals and the small groups of which they are a part.
- Equality of all people. No second class citizen based on individual's religious belief.
- Each person should be helped to realize their particular excellence.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secular_state
| States with no state religions [Click on state religion for the list] States with state religions [Click on state religion for the list] Ambiguous or without data |
| |
__._,_.___
