Anti-secularism is a political ideology that opposes secularism, the principle of separation of the government institutions and persons mandated to represent the state from religious institutions and religious dignitaries. Anti-secularists believe that religion should play a more direct role in public life, government policies, and societal norms. They argue that secularism can lead to moral decay, as it often promotes the exclusion of religious considerations from public life, which they believe are essential for maintaining moral order.
The roots of anti-secularism can be traced back to various historical periods and regions, depending on the specific religious and cultural context. However, it has become more prominent in the modern era, as secularism has become a more widespread principle in many societies. In the Western context, anti-secularism emerged as a reaction to the Enlightenment and the French Revolution, which championed reason and individual rights over traditional religious authority.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, anti-secularism became more prominent in response to the rise of secular states and secular ideologies such as communism and liberalism. Anti-secularists often saw these developments as threats to traditional religious values and societal structures. In some cases, anti-secularism was associated with conservative or reactionary political movements that sought to preserve traditional religious and social norms.
In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, anti-secularism has been associated with various religious and political movements around the world. In some cases, these movements have sought to establish religious law as the basis of government, or to promote religious values in public policy and education. In other cases, anti-secularism has been associated with opposition to perceived secular influences in society, such as secular humanism, atheism, or secular cultural practices.
It's important to note that anti-secularism is not monolithic and can take different forms in different contexts. For example, in some cases, it may involve opposition to the separation of church and state, while in others, it may involve opposition to secular ideologies or cultural practices. Despite these differences, however, all forms of anti-secularism share a common opposition to the exclusion of religion from public life and government policy.
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