stock here: I have always been a bit confused on this word. So many use it with total confidence, but I thought there was more nuance, and there is, thanks AI.
The word secular has evolved significantly over time, drawing from its roots in Latin and adapting to various cultural, religious, and philosophical contexts. Its meaning today can vary depending on its usage in different disciplines, such as theology, politics, or sociology. Here’s a comprehensive exploration:
Etymology and Early History
Latin Origins:
The word "secular" originates from the Latin word saecularis, meaning "worldly" or "of an age."
Saeculum referred to a "generation" or "age," implying a span of human time rather than divine or eternal time.
In Roman times, it also denoted something pertaining to the earthly life, as opposed to the timeless or spiritual realm.
Medieval Usage:
In Christian contexts, secular distinguished between the "religious" (those living in monastic orders) and the "secular clergy" (priests who served in the world, such as parish priests).
The term was used to delineate the worldly duties and responsibilities of people as opposed to their spiritual obligations.The Renaissance and Early Modern Period
Expansion to Worldly Affairs:
During the Renaissance, as humanist philosophies flourished, "secular" began to take on a broader meaning associated with life outside of strictly religious or ecclesiastical control.
It came to signify interests in art, science, and politics that were not governed by religious doctrine.
Reformation Era:
The Protestant Reformation further clarified "secular" as representing realms of governance and society separate from church authority.
Secular rulers were contrasted with ecclesiastical authorities.The Enlightenment
Separation of Church and State:
In the Enlightenment, secularism emerged as a philosophy advocating the separation of religion from political and public life.
Thinkers like John Locke and Voltaire emphasized rationalism and individual freedoms, which often contrasted with religious institutions.
Secular came to represent neutrality in governance regarding religious affairs.
Rise of Secular Humanism:
During this time, secular humanism developed, focusing on ethics, reason, and human potential without reliance on divine authority.Modern Usage
Broad Meanings:
Today, "secular" can describe:
Worldly vs. Spiritual: Things related to this life, not the sacred or eternal.
Neutrality in Religion: A stance that avoids promoting or opposing any particular religion.
Non-religious: Institutions, individuals, or philosophies that are entirely free from religious influence.
Secularism in Society:
Political Context: Advocacy for the separation of church and state, ensuring governance is free from religious influence.
Cultural Context: A trend in which religion plays a less central role in individuals’ lives and societal norms.
Philosophical Context: A worldview that finds meaning and morality in human reasoning and experience rather than in supernatural beliefs.
Popular Misinterpretations:
In some contexts, secularism is misunderstood as being "anti-religion." However, its core meaning is neutrality or independence from religion, not opposition to it.What Does “Secular” Really Mean Today?
Today, “secular” carries several connotations depending on context:
Neutrality: A commitment to fairness by avoiding religious favoritism in governance, education, and public institutions.
Worldliness: Concern with practical, temporal matters rather than spiritual or religious considerations.
Diversity and Pluralism: A space where multiple religions and worldviews coexist without domination by one.
Modernity: A characteristic of societies that prioritize scientific, technological, and rational advancements over traditional religious explanations.
Conclusion
The word “secular” has undergone a journey from its roots in describing temporal life to its modern applications in defining societal structures and philosophical frameworks. While its core essence—”of this world”—remains, its meaning has broadened to reflect the evolving relationship between religion and human affairs.
2 replies on “If We Are Discussing Both Evil, and Religious Aspects, The Word “Secular” is Key”
Novus Ordo Seclorum —
With the Eye of Sauron on the pyramid!
Wow, you have put much meaning in that little nugget, let’s see what AI has to say about our comments on judgement and secular combined….LOL
I was criticizing some leftists and literally a Jew criticised me for being judgemental, him saying that he never is judgemental about other’s life choices. so I says to him….so you are being judgemental about me being who I am, an ENTJ? BOOM. That is not even a “life choice” which makes the judgement even more unfair and harsh. His arrogance. Hence the research on the well known, and almost universally misuderstood Matthew 7:1
ChatGPT said:
ChatGPT
With the added context, the comment about “Novus Ordo Seclorum” and the Eye of Sauron appears to be an extension of the original conversation, incorporating both sarcasm and layered critique in response to perceived hypocrisy and arrogance. Here’s a re-analysis:
The Original Comment’s Themes:
Judgmental Dynamics:
The original commenter highlights a perceived hypocrisy: someone criticizing them for being judgmental while simultaneously passing judgment themselves.
They emphasize this irony by pointing out that their personality type (ENTJ) is not a “life choice” but rather an inherent trait, implying that criticism of it is fundamentally unfair.
Reference to Matthew 7:1:
The verse, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged,” is framed as misunderstood. The original commenter suggests that others wield it hypocritically, ignoring their own violations of the principle.
Frustration with Arrogance:
The original commenter’s tone conveys irritation at what they perceive as condescension and self-righteousness from the person they were debating.
Response: Novus Ordo Seclorum & the Eye of Sauron:
Judgment and Control:
The respondent invokes “Novus Ordo Seclorum” and the Eye of Sauron as metaphors for systems of pervasive oversight, judgment, and hypocrisy.
Implication: The “Jew” in the original story and those like him (from the responder’s perspective) act like an all-seeing authority, quick to judge others while positioning themselves as above reproach.
Matthew 7:1 in the New World Context:
By invoking Novus Ordo Seclorum, the respondent seems to connect the original story to a broader societal critique: the modern “order” (possibly leftist ideologies, in their view) enforces its values in a way akin to totalitarian surveillance, like the Eye of Sauron.
This suggests that while Matthew 7:1 cautions against judgment, modern systems (and perhaps leftists or certain individuals) hypocritically embody the judgmental behavior they criticize.
Sarcasm and Irony:
The response drips with sarcasm, likening the original situation (a small interpersonal debate) to grand, dystopian ideas of societal control and hypocrisy.
Key Takeaways:
The response expands the original debate into a critique of broader societal norms, particularly those seen as hypocritically judgmental under the guise of tolerance.
The mention of “Novus Ordo Seclorum” and the Eye of Sauron suggests a belief that this behavior is not isolated but reflective of a larger pattern of control, judgment, and hypocrisy.
It underscores the misapplication of Matthew 7:1, both in the interpersonal argument and, symbolically, in modern social or political discourse.
Summary:
The respondent uses symbolic language to amplify the original commenter’s frustration, framing the interpersonal conflict as part of a larger critique of societal hypocrisy and judgment. Their reference to Matthew 7:1 suggests that the passage is not only misunderstood but also misused to silence dissent while engaging in the very behavior it condemns.