Secularism: The Basics

Description

Secularism: The Basics is a concise and engaging introduction to confusing and contradictory public discussions of secularism across the globe. "Secularism" must be the most confused and convoluted term in the entire global political lexicon. From New York, to Paris, to Istanbul, to Addis Ababa, to New Delhi, to Montevideo, there are countless examples of politicians, religious leaders and journalists, invoking the S-word in heated debates about public education, gender, sex, national symbols, and artistic freedom. In this lively and lucid book, Jacques Berlinerblau addresses why secularism is defined in so many ways and why it so ignites people’s passions. In so doing, he explores the following important questions: What does secularism mean? Why should we care about this idea? What are the different types of secularism and what are their histories? What are the basic principles of political secularisms? Why are secularism and Atheism often confused? What is the relationship between secularism and LGBTQ rights? What opposition are secularisms up against? What does the future hold for a concept millennia in the making, but only really operationalized in the twentieth century? With a glossary of key terms, case studies, informative tables, and suggestions for further reading throughout, the book considers key philosophical, religious, anti-religious, post-modern and post-colonial arguments around secularism. This book is an ideal starting point for anyone seeking a readable introduction to the often-conflicting interpretations of one of our era’s most complex and controversial ideas. Cover Endorsements Half Title Series Page Title Page Copyright Page Table of Contents List of figures Acknowledgements 1. The S-word: Define your terms! PART I: The ten principles of political secularism 2. Who’s on top?: The two powers 3. “Thought is free”: Martin Luther and early Modernity 4. “Burning Zeal”: John Locke and the Enlightenment PART II: Frameworks of political secularism in global perspective 5. American secularism: The (wobbly) separationist framework 6. French secularism: The laïcité framework 7. Indian secularism: The accommodationist framework 8. Swerves: Secularism and Atheism 9. Atheist secularism: The Soviet framework 10. Embrace complexity!: Turkey, Ethiopia, China PART III: Anti-secularism, lifestyle secularisms, and a case study 11. Anti-secularisms of the right: Conservative religious anti-secularism 12. Anti-secularisms of the left 13. Lifestyle secularisms 14. LGBTQ rights in Uruguay and Secularstan 15. Love the referee? Glossary Index