Introduction
What does it mean to be secular? In this intricate tapestry of human societies, determining the relationship between religion and governance has always posed a challenge. As nations struggle with the complex interplay between religious beliefs and cultural backgrounds, between the sacred and the secular, exploring the different ideologies of secularism becomes imperative. The idea of separation of church from state is fundamental to creating an impartial public space devoid of religious bias.
The philosophy of the separation of church from state arose during the Enlightenment era and served as a warhead in the arsenal of the popular reformist movements that were raging in mediaeval Europe. While this reform may have been necessary in a time where religious control over freedom of speech and expression was construed to be supreme, in the present world where everyone is free to live their truth, secularism must provide for a more inclusive and tolerant approach.
This article provides a nuanced understanding of the distinct ideologies of secularism and explores the historical roots and diverse manifestations of hard and soft secularism in the contemporary world.
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I. Hard Secularism
Hard secularism can be categorised as the stringent separation of religious institutions from the state. This wall of separation was theorised by John Locke, who was of the view that liberty was an inalienable right, and individuals would not grant any authority over spiritual matters to the state. [1] The French Revolution further solidified these ideas, giving rise to the concept of laïcité, which became emblematic of the French commitment to a strict divide between church and state.
Hard secularism places a strong emphasis on a secular legal system in which laws are made not based on religious dogma but rather on reason, evidence, and the needs of a diverse population. Proponents of this ideology believe that this separation is to create a level playing field for individuals of all faiths to ensure that the law is impartial to all. [2]
Türkiye as a Case Study:
Imagine a world where your freedom to exercise your faith is curtailed in the name of secularism. “Merve Kavakçı was stopped from taking her oath in the National Assembly because she was wearing a headscarf”. The political landscape in Türkiye is largely influenced by the ideology of hard secularism. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk has advocated for a secular state, separating religious impact on the state. A principle that is deeply enshrined in the Turkish constitution. The laws have been designed to limit the influence of religious doctrines on legislation, ensuring that the legal framework remains impartial and neutral. [3]
The recent socio-political landscape raises doubts over the secular nature of Türkiye, the idea of freedom of religion seems to be replaced with freedom from religion. This imposition blurs the line between oppression and secularism. This system of governance has led to the alienation of a substantial portion of the population that follows conservative Islamic principles from mainstream society. To address the challenges this authoritarian regime has created, In 2008, the Turkish government, under the AKP's leadership, took significant steps to relax the hijab ban in universities. [4] However, Islamists who believe that religion and morals related to that should dominate governance will not be satisfied by a secular model, no matter how pro-Islamic it might present itself to be.
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From the above case study, it can be seen that strict implementation of hard secularism may not be ideal as it could heighten social divisions, especially if it is seen as an imposition on religious communities. This is especially true when religious symbols or practices are restricted or marginalised, which makes people feel as though the state does not value or recognise their beliefs. Strained relations between secular and religious groups could lead to social fragmentation, contrary to the cohesion hard secularism aims to achieve.
II. Soft Secularism
Soft secularism can be considered a more inclusive and responsive approach between religion and state. Unlike hard secularism, proponents of this form of governance do not seek a rigid separation of religion and state, it seems to strike a balance between state neutrality and diverse religious beliefs. One key feature that distinguishes soft secularism from hard secularism is the state’s involvement in the form of providing financial aid to religious institutions and taxing them.
This approach advocates that public policies must be neutral or uniform without favouring one particular religious community or at the risk of discriminating against any specific religious group. Further, it respects the autonomy of individuals to express their religious identity openly, whether through attire, symbols, or public observances.
While soft secularism may seem like the better choice in comparison with its counterpart since it is more inclusive and fosters a sense of unity, it is not free of challenges.
India as a Case Study:
The concept of secularism in India is unique and deeply rooted in the nation's diverse history and cultural fabric. The word 'secular' is enshrined in the preamble of the Constitution of India. Although India’s political landscape leans towards the approach of soft secularism in terms of the fact that the constitution ensures equal treatment of all religions and ensures the separation of religion from the functions of the state, it faces many challenges that threaten the very objective of secularism.[5]
Source: India Times
India lacks a uniform civil code, and different personal laws govern the religions. The differences in their religious practices and culture have led to communal violence. Despite being a secular state, minorities, such as Muslims and Christians, sometimes face discrimination due to certain political parties instrumentalizing religious sentiments to favour a particular religious section. This undermines the spirit of secularism. Legal battles involving religious practices, personal laws, and issues related to places of worship have made matters worse.
Mitigating communal tensions, addressing the concerns of religious minorities, and fostering cultural sensitivity are imperative for sustaining the vision of a secular India. The shared commitment to unity in diversity remains a beacon, guiding the ongoing journey towards a more inclusive and harmonious society.
III. What happens when there is an absence of secularism?
A situation where secularism is absent or disproportionate can lead to several challenges. A state based on the doctrines of a particular religion can set a dangerous precedent in society that can lead to the marginalisation and exclusion of minority religious groups. In the name of religious freedom, in such countries, the laws and policies would be designed to favour one particular religion over the other, which may lead to religious imposition on people, taking away their liberty and equality and compelling them to conform to the dominant religious practice. Furthermore, education is used as a means of propaganda to influence people to adopt specific religious ideologies that do not leave room for intellectual exploration.
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A Case Study of Iran:
Iran follows a theocratic system of governance in the absence of secularism, and religious authorities play a crucial role in shaping the legislation. This absence of secularism allows for the direct influence of religious doctrines on the legal code, with punishments and legal interpretations often aligning with Islamic principles. While elections are held, candidates are vetted by religious authorities, ensuring their alignment with the country's Islamic framework. This restricts the inclusivity of other minorities. This absence of secularism violates the natural principles of equality and liberty. [6] The death of ‘Mahsa Amini’ for not wearing a headscarf is just one of many reported incidents of this religious imposition. This furthers religious intolerance and creates an environment where there is no balance between religious authority and the rights of an individual.
Conclusion
The concept of secularism acts as a cornerstone of modern society. From the above-given approaches, soft secularism seems to be ideal in comparison with its counterparts. If we look at Türkiye and Iran, in the case of the former, individual rights of freedom of expression were curtailed for wearing hijab, and in the case of the latter, in the name of religious practice hijab was imposed. Striking the right balance between upholding religious freedom and maintaining state neutrality is essential to promote inclusivity and equal treatment for individuals of all backgrounds. The journey toward secular governance is marked by a commitment to neutrality, ensuring that the state remains impartial and does not align with any particular religious ideology.
Article by:
Garima Agarwal,
Head of Finance,
PES MUN Society, RR Campus.