Can We Move Beyond the Secular State?

Abstract

The article argues for re-consideration of the secularization so often in the West regarded as an essential condition for a democratic state. Its inbuilt incoherence and problematic consequences suggest that the term secular should be abandoned. Deep-seated reasons for objecting to such a proposal follow, discussing an affront to personal integrity, confronting intellectual apartheid and analysing abuse of religion. A way forward is suggested in learning to accept unavoidable levels of uncertainty, so that generous-minded dialogue can take the place of either/or thinking. We need to move forward to an era when democracy is characterized as truly inclusive; when generous-minded dialogue between deeply-felt different convictions enables peaceful co-existence.