THE SECULAR POLITICAL CULTURE: THREE VIEWS

In: The review of politics, Band 37, Heft 4, S. 490-512

Abstract

IT IS OFTEN SAID THAT MODERN POLITICS IS FUNDAMENTALLY SECULAR; REASONS FOR THIS TRUISM ARE RARELY EXPLORED. THE AUTHOR ASSESSES THE QUESTION BY DISTINGUISHING AND CONTRASTING THREE MAJOR VIEWS OF SECULARITY AND EXAMINING PRINCIPAL CHOICES INVOLVED IN THESE DIFFERING USES OF THE TERM. FIRST, THE NOTION OF SECULAR RELIGION IS EXAMINED AND THEN CONTRASTED WITH RATIONAL SECULARISM.