Secularism

Secular: religion and politics are separate spheres; democratic: power is controlled and operated by the people; republic: the government is broken into separate offices with fixed terms that have checks on each other's power.

Secularism refers to the separation of religion from government institutions and decision-making processes, promoting a neutral stance regarding religious beliefs. Individualism, on the other hand, emphasizes the importance of individual rights, freedoms, and autonomy, prioritizing personal independence and self-reliance over collective or group interests.

It is always good for a country to be secular, when people from different religions live together. But scenario in Pakistan is different. Pakistan wanted to be Muslim country, so it got separated from India. One should not forget about many riots and killings of ethnic and persons from a different religion. Hindus, Sikhs suffered a lot. Christians live in fear. If referendum is allowed for secularism, we shall get a clean picture. But that will not happen soon.

On May 28, 1998, Pakistan became a nuclear power when it successfully carried out five nuclear tests at Chaghai, in the province of Baluchistan. This was in direct response to five nuclear explosions by India, just two weeks earlier.

Widely criticized by the international community, Pakistan maintains that its nuclear program is for selfdefence, as deterrence against nuclear India. A former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, offered justification for Pakistan's nuclear program when he said that if India were to produce a bomb, Pakistan would do anything it could to get one of its own. It has always been maintained by Pakistan that a nuclear threat posed to its security can neither be met with conventional means of defense, nor by external security guarantees.

Secular songs are typically written by songwriters, composers, and musicians who draw inspiration from everyday experiences, emotions, and events, rather than religious themes or affiliations. These individuals often write about love, heartbreak, social issues, personal experiences, and a wide range of other topics that are not tied to any specific religious beliefs.

Two secular writers of the Renaissance were Niccolò Machiavelli, known for his political treatise "The Prince," and Michel de Montaigne, known for popularizing the essay as a literary genre with his work "Essays."

Satire in a secular society often critiques human behavior, societal norms, and institutions in a humorous or ironic way. It uses wit, exaggeration, and parody to highlight the absurdity or flaws in people's actions or beliefs, showcasing the contradictions and hypocrisy present in society. By satirizing conduct, it aims to provoke reflection, challenge conventions, and stir change in a non-religious context.

Secular poetry is any poetry that does not deal with religious themes, such as poetry about nature, about interpersonal interaction, about general morality, or about material possessions.

Secular music genres such as madrigals and chansons were popular during the Renaissance period. Madrigals were particularly favored for their expressive and emotional content, evolving into a sophisticated form of vocal music characterized by intricate harmonies and texts inspired by poetry.

The madrigal.

Call and respond

The rise of secular literature in the Middle Ages can be attributed to the developments in vernacular languages and the growing literacy of the urban population. Writers and poets such as Dante Alighieri, Geoffrey Chaucer, and Marie de France contributed to the flourishing of secular literature by creating works that explored themes beyond religious doctrine. This shift towards secular literature also paralleled the emergence of humanism and the revival of classical learning during the period.

Secular music in the Renaissance was characterized by expressive melodies, playful rhythms, and text settings that reflected the emotions of the lyrics. Composers often wrote in vernacular languages, focusing on secular themes rather than religious texts. Secular music was performed widely in courts, public spaces, and social gatherings, contributing to a vibrant musical culture during this period.

Secular music that shares similarities with Gospel music in terms of themes, emotion, and vocal style is often found in genres like soul, R&B, and blues. These genres may also incorporate spiritual or religious themes, but without specific references to Christian beliefs or scripture.

The book Confessions Of A Secular Fundamentalist was written by Mani Shankar Aiyer.

No, a motet is typically a sacred vocal composition in multiple parts, often with religious text.

Secularism is the principle of separating religion from governmental institutions and ensuring that religious beliefs do not influence state policies. It promotes a neutral stance toward all religions, allowing individuals to practice their faith freely without state interference. Democracy, on the other hand, is a system of government in which power is vested in the people, who exercise that power directly or through elected representatives. Together, secularism and democracy foster an inclusive society where diverse beliefs coexist and citizens have a voice in governance.

It matters because most parents or people want their children or themselves to learn the ways of what they believe. For instance I went to a Christian school. It was important for me to learn about God so I can learn to follow him and be a more godly person. I guess it really depends on what religion you are.

One of the first non-secular tales written in the late 1200s was "The Divine Comedy" by Dante Alighieri. This epic poem is divided into three parts: Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso, and is considered a masterpiece of world literature for its exploration of Christian themes and allegorical journey through the afterlife.

Secular art primarily focuses on themes and subjects that are not religious in nature. It often explores human experiences, emotions, and the natural world, reflecting everyday life, societal issues, and individual perspectives. This type of art emphasizes personal expression and cultural commentary, allowing artists to connect with audiences on a more relatable level. Examples include portraits, landscapes, and still lifes that celebrate the human experience outside of spiritual contexts.