Solution: T N Madan said "though the ambiguity of secularism was at one point considered its strength, its vagueness is now a poor foundation for clear headed public policies" (Neera Chandhoke, 2010: 333) In this background on one side were scholars questioning appropriateness of secularism in India and on the other were scholars defending secularism . Under the umbrella of relativism, whole groups of . Secular folks believe in all sorts of things, like loving their spouses and children, or the value of education, or the potential of science, or the importance of protecting the earth, or the fact . The term secularism refers to the separation of religion from government. In one way, they are of course right. [Imp.] piyush agarwal. Best 6 Essay on "Secularism in India" Essay No. of secularism in India. On the one hand, almost every politician swears by it. Every political party professes to be secular. On the other hand, all kinds of anxieties and doubts beset secularism in India. Secularism is challenged not only by clerics and religious nationalists but by some politicians, social activists and even . 2. Secular Humanists are a type of humanist which also include the idea that supernatural thought, including belief in God or gods, should be avoided. All religions are equal and no one religion will be promoted by the state. 1. This is the psychology of self-actualization. 5. The philosophy that the Indian constitution upholds is a kind of secular humanism made relevant through a historical development of the ideology within the context of religious pluralism in India. What is secularism? In religions such as Hinduism, some sections have been persistently discriminated. Secularism is the first and foremost doctrine that opposes all such forms of inter- religious domination. Some support religious pluralism and advocate equal treatment of all religions, and some support the removal of religion from the public sphere . Frequently, internet atheists argue that the American Constitution is a secular document. It has two principles: 1) Religion should not interfere in the administration and policy-making of the state. But in practice it is not so easy to follow. There is a wide spectrum of Secular Humanists, from those who are simply agnostic, to those who take a hardcore stance which puts critical thought, skepticism, and rejection of religion at the . Secularist beliefs vary on their approach to religion. A basic definition, the word secular means "of this world" in Latin and is the opposite of religious. The term "Secular" means being "separate" from religion or having no religious basis. the one hand and religion . India was therefore to be the diametric opposite of Pakistan. Secularism is neither anti-God nor pro-God; it treats alike the devout, the agnostic and the atheist. Social and Political Life 26 1. In its first connotation, secularism refers to a precondition where there exists no state religion and the state is not concerned with any kinds of religious beliefs or practices. it stresses equality, freedom and social justice. The Indian Constitution allows individuals the freedom to live by their religious beliefs and practise it. The core ethos of India has been a fundamental unity, tolerance and even synthesis of religion. "Hindu Muslim Sikh Isai, aapas mein hain bhai bhai . India is a secular country. Religious freedom is our fundamental right and it is written in our constitution. Many legislators were confused as to what secularism was. We have Provided Understanding Secularism Class 8 Civics MCQs Questions with Answers to help students understand the concept very well. How is this connected to the Bhoomi Pujan? by Scriptorium Admin on November 28, 2004. Answer (1 of 25): Secularism is one of the basic pillars of Democracy in Indiaunlike the western countries especially in USA where there is a wall of separation between religious affairs and the State (1.e., the Government) in India we have a state which intervenes in religion in an affirmative . Mark-1. Explanation: The one significant way in which Indian secularism differs from the dominant understanding of secularism as practised in USA This is because unlike the strict separation between religion and the State in American secularism, in Indian secularism the State can intervene in religious affairs,. Thus, religion should be separate from aspects of state and governance. Monism means that man is only body - no soul, mind, or conscience exists. Chapter 2: Understanding Secularism 2022-23. Separation of religion and state is the foundation of secularism. Philosophical secularism, on the other hand, views religion more negatively and attempts to establish a common unbelief as a basis for government. The most important cause for the need of a secular India is its non-flexibility in economical standards of the people. it believes in building a classless and casteless society. The people in general have different financial standards although India is regarded as a reputed country for its stability in financial sector. For example, in France, "secularism" is often interpreted in a way that like, takes a "secular" French culture and then forcibly imposes that on the citizens, and when that secular culture conflicts with people's religion, in general, the law sides with . His values are the product of his rational and scientific thinking. Why is it Important to Separate Religion from the State? 6. As a doctrine, then, secularism is typically used as a label for any philosophy which forms its ethics without reference to religious beliefs and which encourages the development of human art and science. This is all fine, but the moot point remains. The revision notes help you revise the whole chapter 2 in minutes. Inserting the word SECULAR, as Ambedkar said, was therefore superfluous. The term " Secular " refers to being "separate" from religion or having no religious base. Today, even in the most theocratic of nations, there are burgeoning secular movements. Secularism means separation of religion from political, economic, social and cultural aspects of life, religion being treated as a purely personal matter. Secularism Is Not a Religion The separation or complete divorce of the state from the religion is called Secularism. Every citizen, irrespective of which religion he or she follows, is equal in the eyes of the laws and policies that govern the Nation. The term 'secularism' is like the Vedic concept of 'Dharma nirapekshata' which means the State's indifference to religion. This implies that the government at any level cannot associate itself with a certain religion and that all religions are treated as equal in the eyes of law. Most of the countries have people of more than one religion who reside within the state. Six points might be in order before concluding the argument. Question 4 State the 4 th point of the Fundamental Rights of the Indian constitution. Secular politics attempt to prevent religious philosophies or bodies from influencing governmental policies. And . it aim at providing special facilities to the Indian secularism recognizes the importance of religion in human life. Secularism is a principal that mainly involves two basic preposition Strict separation of states from religious institutions. Supernatural elements are being revived and revitalized. This means that all moral positions, all religious systems, all art forms, all political movements, etc., are truths that are relative to the individual. Religion has its own share of some deep-rooted problems. MCQ Questions for Class 8 Social Science with Answers were prepared based on the latest exam pattern. Secularism means that everybody enjoys complete religious freedom. State the 4 th point of the Fundamental Rights of the Indian constitution. A Simple Argument Against Secularism. List the different types of religious practice that you find in your neighbourhood. These are the Understanding Secularism class 8 Notes prepared by team of expert teachers. John Mark Reynolds, 2004. These fall within the province of democracy. Secularism calls for a doctrine where all religions are given equal status, recognition and support from the state or it can also be defined as a doctrine that promotes separation of state from religion. For example: a sikh while riding bike can wear pugri (turban) instead of helmet. Secularism protects free speech and expression Religious people have the right to express their beliefs publicly but so do those who oppose or question those beliefs. It is apparent from reading the constitutional debates that, yet again, Ambedkar was correct. Relativism is the philosophical position that all points of view are equally valid and that all truth is relative to the individual. It provides full freedom to all religions and tolerance of all religions. Within a secular state, the government does not interfere with religion and its activities, as long as such activities are done under the confines of the law. It is an indubitable fact that hundreds of millions of Indians belonging to diverse religions lived in comity through the ages, marred through at times by religion revolts, economic . Answer: 'Freedom to interpret' means an individual's liberty to develop his own understanding and meaning of the religion that one practises. Secularism means the exclusion of religion, which in India is from public life. The separation of the State and religion in democratic societies is important because of the following reasons: Secularism essentially involves society in a race to the bottom. The discrimination of one community or its members by another community or its members on account of their religious identity are the instances of religious persecution and they reflect inter- religious domination. The vulnerable point in India is the deep religious sentiment prevailing among its different religious communities. Download revision notes for Understanding Secularism class 8 Notes and score high in exams. Secularism in India. He worries for parents who worry that scientism is being crammed down the throats of everyone, especially within academia, without criticism. This could be different forms of prayer, worship of different gods, sacred sites, different kinds of religious By this point, we pretty much . . Some thought it was the negation of all religion, while to others it meant an absolute separation of religion and state. Secularism is needed as much to protect Hindus from intra-religious domination, from their 'fringe elements', as well as from proponents of religion-based caste and gender hierarchies. (6) In a Secular State, unity in diversity is maintained. What is secularism? The government will not compel anybody to adopt any particular religion. 4. Secularism is the belief that no one should be discriminated on the basis of the religion he or she practises. For example, Dalits have been barred from entering Hindu temples. Secularism is the first and foremost doctrine that opposes all forms of inter-religious domination. Also, to conflate Turkey with India is not that helpful, and to assume . The ability of the United States, then, to reconcile religion and modernity depended in part on its ability to hold groups and ideas in competition with one another, and this ability has roots that go even deeper than the country's actual beginnings. It is also termed as modernization of religious beliefs and traditional values and hence the term secularization. Secularism is simply a framework for ensuring equality throughout society - in politics, education, the law and elsewhere - for believers and non-believers alike. During the world crisis of financial deficit, it is India which has saved the world . It is how the secular state interacts with such demands that can play an important role in the character of the 'secularism' that the state embraces. 2. The Class 8 chapter on Understanding Secularism notes that in American secularism, faith and the state are strictly apart, while in Indian secularism, as previously said, the state will engage in religious matters. 6. secularism seeks to ensure freedom of religious belief practice and traditional values for all and respect to others religious beliefs. 3. it believes in mixed economy i.e public ownership as well as private owership. Every citizen, irrespective of which religion he or she follows, is equal in the eyes of the laws and policies that govern the Nation. Secularism and Constitution of India: Unity in Diversity. But even in governance it is much more complex, as is religion in general in India. Secularism is, no doubt, an ideal principle. From a Christian point of view the Constitution governs the "secular authority." In summary, the author's reason is premised on the historical injustices meted out to the Hindus. Secularism generally refers to the separation of religion from a State. It emphasized dissociation of the state from religion and full freedom to all religions and tolerance of all religions. Revision notes in exam days is one of the best tips recommended by teachers during exam days. which means . Secularism refers to this separation of religion from the State. The criticism is not totally baseless. It is very essential to separate religion from the state for the country to practice its democracy. This is important for a country to function democratically. Political secularism, he says, recognizes the legitimacy and even moral necessity of religious faith, while preventing any one faith from being established. The term secularism refers to the separation between the power of religion and the power of the State. Separationof religious institutions from state institutions and a public sphere where religion may participate, but not dominate. This is very important for a country like India that homes the number of religions. F or the first time in India's history, secularism has moved from being a top-down slogan and concern voiced by political leaders and intellectuals, to becoming a battle-cry forged on the ground by citizens with much to lose because of the Narendra Modi government's Citizenship Amendment Act and National Register of Citizens. First, secularism is a stance to be taken about . It eliminates God from the matter of the state and ensures no one shall be discriminated against on the ground of religion. Secularism is the belief that no one should be discriminated on the basis of the religion he or she practises. Secularism, a term used for the first time about 1846 by George Jacob Holyoake to denote "a form of opinion which concerns itself only with questions, the issues of which can be tested by the experience of this life" (English Secularism, 60). It ensures freedom of both believers and non-believers of secularism. In fact, secularism is very important for Muslims in the modern world, as it is the basis for equality, democracy, freedom, human rights and the autonomy of religion itself. Though the State is not strictly independent from religion, in Indian secularism, it does maintain a principled detachment from . Since the Enlightenment, secularism and science have spread around the world. Secularism and Rationality is not enough for the human condition . Indian secularism prevents the domination of majority over minority is through a strategy of intervention. Both Hindu and Muslim fundamentalists in India are whipping up this sentiment of the staunch adherents of these religions, most of whom are . Once the initial terminological points about secularism' are made, the goal of the rest of the paper will be to show why they are not arbitrary stipulations. 2) People of all religions are equal before the law, constitution, and government policy. What do you mean by 'freedom to interpret'? There are two chief reasons why the separation between religion and State is important. 1) Why several millions were killed in Hitler's Germany? It carries some weight. For example: Untouchability was religion-based exclusion and discrimination of 'lower castes' in Hindu so the Indian Constitution bans untouchability. It extends typo the state allowing the citizens to choose any religion of their choice, and the state is not to discriminate citizens on the basis of their religions. Check the below NCERT MCQ Questions for Class 8 Civics Chapter 2 Understanding Secularism with Answers Pdf free download. From the perspective of 'secularism,' this should not be a problem, because demanding religious freedoms or religious rights is not a demand for abolishing a secular state. This, he correctly points out, is selectivity and not secularism. Secularism is a political and philosophical belief system that seeks to conduct human affairs based on secular, naturalistic considerations. A secular state is a country where the state is keep separate from religion, and the state does not discriminate or favor persons based on their religious beliefs. There is no doubt that promoting secularism and enlightenment ideals is good for the world, but these movements are lacking something important. Basic outline of the secularism is enshrined in the following Articles of the Constitution: Preamble: It is true that . For example the Indian Constitution . "Secularism" is a vague term, and it has very different manifestations in different places. Some of the above-mentioned points regarding the practise of Secularism by the Indian Government were included from different Democratic countries that practise 'Secularism.' For example, in the case of the United States, the 1st Amendment' of its Constitution doesn't allow the legislature to make laws regarding 'establishment of any . It is the principle of separation of government institutions and persons mandated to represent the state from religious institutions and religious dignitaries. Social and Political Life III (Civics) Chapter 2 Understanding Secularism Class 8 Inside 5 Marks, 3 marks, 2 Marks & And 1 Marks Important Questions and Answers. Thus India is tending towards desecularisation. Answer: The term 'secularism' refers to the separation of the power of religion from the power of the State. Diversity as a political project can only be effective with secularism as a working foundational value The Secular Worldview focuses on man's inherent goodness and predicts that every individual can achieve mental health through the fulfillment of physical or material needs. Secularism focuses on religion to other 'temporal' things in consideration of nature, reason, science, and development. One, secularism per se has little to do with inequality or injustice within religious groups. Secularism in India is a positive, revolutionary and comprehensive concept which takes within its sweep all the communities in India following several religions. Class 8 Civics Chapter 2 Extra Question with Answer - Understanding Secularism. The trauma of partition led the country's leaders to emphasise the common citizenship of its people rather than the religious differences which had to led to the creation of Pakistan. Christianity by contrast helps us to lift ourselves and society to heaven. 5. Meaning of Secularism. These values have a strong resonance with my reading of Islam even though some conservative voices may disregard these as 'western values.'. Dr. Radhaknshnan writes "we should not confuse secularism with the concept of atheism because the type of secularism we are trying to achieve is very much in consonance with the old religious ideals as Smith has noted "Most of Hindu legislations regard temple entry laws as measures of . So the reader is urged to be unreactive about these initial topic-setting assertions until the dialectic of the paper is played out. Here, separation or complete divorce means: There will be no official religion of the whole country. Secularism term means separation of religion from political, economic, social and cultural aspects of life. More explicitly, "Secularism is that which seeks the development of the physical, moral, and intellectual nature of man to the highest possible . Looked another way, the pendulum had swung way too much to the left over the preceding . indian socialism it is based on equality between man and man socialism does not sacrifice man for money. American secularism derived from the strength of religion, not from its weakness. Criticism of the Secular State: People have criticised the Secular Slate on the ground that in a Secular State there is no physical basis to run the government and people do not care to follow any religion or high moral ideals. What is secularism? I imagine the article is trying to point to the decrease in secularism only in governance and not perhaps in its people. The foreword author, Dan Egeler, is the former president of American Christian Schools International, and his points are targeted to concerned parents (possibly even homeschooling parents and their students). It ensures that religious groups don't interfere in the affairs of state. Augustine: Every sin brings with it its own punishment. 01. Believers of different religion are equal before law. Freedomto practise your faith or beliefs without harming others, or to change it or not have one, according to your conscience. Since the Indian state has failed to support victims of oppressions sanctioned by religion, a peaceful and democratic secularism from below provides a vantage point from which to carry out a much . A secular person is one who does not owe his moral values to any religion. 3. Thus religion is only a purely personal matter. The first is to prevent the domination of one religion over another.