Religion and Secularism: Navigating the Complex Interplay in Modern Societies

When did religion originate? The question is a hotly debated and contested one and doesn’t have any specific answer. Researchers believe that it dates back to Middle Paleolithic era. It started in the form of rituals and over the centuries developed into a belief in a supreme power which has created and controlled life and this universe. As times evolved the belief that there is one universal supreme power or god began to dissipate as people started believing in different Gods depending on their own beliefs leading to acceptance of different religions that we know today like Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Judaism and many more.

What is secularism? This is often referred to as the ability to practice one’s own religion peacefully without fear or prejudice and be accepting towards the beliefs and religious practices of others as well. This may be true for individuals like us but for the state it means to keep religious groups separate from government and public life. Everyone should have a say but no one should be in charge because of their religious beliefs. Everyone should be treated equally whether they believe or not and that no one gets special treatment because of their religion. Secularism emphasizes individual freedom which may conflict with some religious beliefs. For example same sex marriage may be allowed in a secular system, it may not be allowed in many religious beliefs.

Renowned German thinker Jurgen Habermas elucidates in the journal “ Religion in Public sphere” in 2006, as to how religion plays an important part in everyday world where it seems government and religion should be separate. According to him religion is a powerful force because it shapes how people think and act and is a large part of their identity and it influences how they perceive things and make decisions.

Religion has the power to bring people together. Place of worship like churches, temples and mosques are not just places to prey but places where people come together to support each other, celebrate together, and sometimes even work on projects to help others. So, religion isn't just about beliefs, it's about relationships and connections. It is something which gives people hope in times of adversity. Many charities and organizations are based on religious beliefs. They do things like feeding the hungry, caring for the sick, and fighting for justice. So, religion isn't just about rituals and prayers, it's about making the world a better place. Even in a secular world people still want to talk about religious stuff. It is a part of who they are, hence it is brought in public discussions. 

But there are times when there is a tendency among certain people, groups or even the state for advocacy of strict conformity to sacred texts leading to rise in fundamentalism. The prime example which comes to mind to illustrate this is what happened in Afghanistan in 1990s after the takeover by Taliban and a rerun of the same in 2021 after US troops pulled out from there after two decades. They impose a harsh interpretation of the Islamic law despite pledges to respect the rights of women and religious and ethnic minority communities. Not just Afghanistan, which is state sponsored fundamentalism, even some of the most developed Western European countries are not immune to this. According to a survey done by Ruud Koopmans from WZB Social Service Centre, it is not a marginal phenomenon over in that region and is not restricted to Islam. The survey was spread across Belgium, Austria, France, Germany, Netherlands and Sweden and provides an empirical analysis of the extent of religious fundamentalism. Two in every three Muslims interviewed believed that religious laws assume primacy over the laws of the country that they reside in. And four out of five respondents believed that there is only one interpretation of Islam. The number of Christians who placed religious beliefs over national law was 13% and 20% believed in only one interpretation of the Bible.

Even what is happening in Israel and Palestine can not escape what we are discussing here. Israel is the only declared Jewish country in the world whereas Palestine is an Islamic state. They have been at loggerheads over the decades and have fought several wars. The differences between the two have been amplified by the different religious beliefs in the two countries.

India prides itself in its secularism in the truest sense. Religion is more than just a personal belief; it's deeply intertwined with society, culture, and even government decisions. Despite the notion of secularism, which suggests a separation of religion and state, India's reality paints a different picture.

The partition of India in 1947 based on religion left a lasting imprint on the country's landscape. India's approach to secularism aims to maintain a neutral stance towards religion, but in practice, religion often influences government decisions. This is particularly evident in personal matters such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance. Different rules apply depending on one's religious affiliation, with Muslims having the option to follow secular laws if they choose.

Moreover, India's constitution permits the government to support religious institutions financially. This includes funding religious schools and contributing to the maintenance of Hindu temples and Islamic sites. However, these institutions must adhere to certain regulations to preserve their historical integrity, dating back to pre-independence times.

Religion in India serves as a powerful force shaping various aspects of life, from personal beliefs to societal structures. It provides individuals with a sense of identity, moral guidance, and social cohesion. Additionally, religious movements and leaders play a significant role in advocating for social change and addressing pressing issues such as poverty and inequality.

Faith also serves as a source of resilience and perseverance for many Indians, enabling them to overcome obstacles and find meaning in their experiences. Despite the advancements of modernity, the enduring appeal of religion underscores its significance in shaping human experience and society in India.

While the concept of secularism suggests a clear separation between religion and government, the reality in India is more complex. Religion continues to influence government decisions, particularly in personal matters such as marriage and inheritance. Additionally, the government provides financial support to religious institutions while ensuring they adhere to certain regulations to preserve their historical significance.

On the other hand there is Pakistan, which is a  proclaimed Islamic Republic, often fanned by religious fundamentalism. The minority Hindu, Sikh and other religious groups are a fraction of what they were at the time of independence. 

In sharp contrast to the form of Inclusive secularism practised by India is the exclusivist secularism as practised in countries like United States, France, United Kingdom and Turkey. In France there was a movement against the power of the oppressive Catholic Church which led to passing of federal law in 1905 on the Separation of Churches. The form of secularization practised ever since is characterised by public sphere which is free from all forms of religious expressions. The most recent example that can be cited to buttress the point is the ban on wearing a veil or a hijab in public places including in schools and educational institutions following expulsion of two Muslim girls in schools for wearing hijab so as to ensure that all students obtain equal education without any form of external coercion. In stark contrast to France the kind of secularism as practised in Unites States is driven by high levels of pluralism and diversity. Many settlers fleeing Latin America and European countries fearing religious persecution, US was a natural and preferred destination as it offered religious pluralism and diversity. Although in a few cases religious orthodoxy in a few settlements led to persecution and some form of religious restrictions being imposed on different religious groups. Then there is a curious case of Turkey, which for long had been under the control of Ottoman regime. Its political and social behaviour was determined by orthodox religious beliefs. But at the dawn of the last century, Turkey under the stewardship of its first nationalist President Kemal Ataturk, in 1923, embarked on a path of secularism as a means to project a modern society. The aim was to project Turkey as a “modern state”, free from any religious coercions in public life which included a ban on display of religious symbols and clothing in public arena. In United Kingdom, a largely secular state the reigning monarch is the Head of the Church simultaneously. Also the Anglican Bishops have seats reserved in the Upper House of the legislature. This situation is unheard of in any liberal democracy.

The post-World War era witnessed a notable trend among societies and states, especially liberal democracies, as they veered away from overt religiosity and embraced progressive secularism across social and cultural domains. This shift marked a significant departure from traditional religious influence in public life, emphasizing principles of individual freedom and governmental neutrality towards religious matters. However, the turn of the millennium heralded a resurgence of religious forces on the global stage. Events such as the rise of fundamentalist movements in Afghanistan and Iran, alongside the collapse of the atheist Soviet Union, underscored the enduring significance of religion in shaping political landscapes. Moreover, the emergence of the Christian right in the United States reflected a renewed assertiveness of religious groups in public affairs. These developments serve as a reminder that despite secularist aspirations, religious ideologies remain potent forces in contemporary governance and societal discourse, influencing policies and public perceptions.

In summary, the dynamics between religion and secularism profoundly shape the functioning of societies worldwide. While secularism advocates for the separation of religion from public affairs, the practical reality reveals that religious beliefs continue to exert significant influence on governance and societal norms. Recognizing the importance of respecting diverse religious beliefs becomes paramount in navigating these differences harmoniously. By acknowledging and accommodating varying religious perspectives, societies can foster inclusivity and mitigate potential conflicts arising from ideological differences. Ultimately, the coexistence of religion and secularism underscores the complex interplay between faith and governance in shaping the fabric of modern societies.

By-Harsh Goel