Let’s start with the basics: What is secularism? Well, according to the Enycolpedia Britannica, even scholars have a hard time defining it to the fullest, but we will do our best! In Andrew Copsons book, “What is secularism?” He found 3 key descriptions by Jean Baubérot. The first states “Secularism is the separation of religious institutions from the institutions of the state and no domination of the political sphere by religious institutions. The second one describes “freedom of thought, conscience, and religion for all” and the third says that “no state discrimination against anyone on grounds of their religion or non-religious worldview.”

Some parts of the first concept of secularism goes as far back as to the ancient greeks, where some cities embraced secular practices by distinguishing legislative and civic matters from the influence of the Greek gods and goddesses, probably while drinking wine and enjoying some nice bread with olive oil. During the Middle Ages, Christians also used the term ‘secular’ to refer to worldly matters, in contrast to spiritual or heavenly concerns. And originating in the eighteenth century, the Enlightenment was a movement grounded in ideas and practices that centered on the secular realm and was its modern starting point.

While secularism brings significant advantages, it is not without flaws and can be pushed to harmful extremes. The French have given us multiple examples by banning headscarves, the kippa, turbans, and large crosses in schools since 2004. There was also the very controversial muslim veil ban in 2010 and in 2017 the very famous burkini ban.

In some cases, secularism can be used as a tool to disguise and legitimize pure racism. But religion is not exempt from that. We have seen in the past and in the present multiple ways of how religious texts have been used to legitimize violence: just think of Christians with the Incas, or Benjamin Netanyahu’s comparison of Hamas to the nation of Amalek in a passage from the Hebrew Bible.

Secularism and religion have both been used as multitools, and we want to deepen this conversation about secularism with our guests from today:

Dóra Laborczi  is an experienced journalist, editor, and communication expert with a strong background in civic and social organizations as well as church media. Her three main areas of focus are feminism, Christianity, and public life. 

Omar Sayfo, MCC, Director of research, Migration Research Institute

Omar Sayfo earned his PhD in 2016 from Utrecht University. He is the author of several scholarly articles, as well as two books in English and four in Hungarian on the Middle East.

Jonatán Megyeri Rabbi is an orthodox rabbi, journalist and influencer, who speaks to wide audiences about Judaism and about foreign affairs politics. Megyeri is a frequent guest in various TV, radio and podcast shows, while his social media channels reach hundreds of thousands.