secular etymology

Etymology

The word "secular" derives from the Latin word "saecularis," which means "pertaining to a century" or "relating to the present age." It shares a common root with "saeculum," meaning "age" or "generation."

Meaning

The term "secular" has two main meanings:

• Non-religious: Relating to matters or affairs that are not associated with religion or the supernatural. It can refer to the temporal, worldly, or non-sacred aspects of life.
• Non-clerical: Not belonging to the clergy or religious orders. It can describe individuals, institutions, or activities that are not affiliated with a particular religious body.

Origin

The concept of secularism emerged during the Enlightenment period in Europe, when there was a growing movement to separate the state and religion. This movement was influenced by the rise of scientific inquiry, the decline of the power of the church, and the desire for individual freedom and autonomy.

Initially, the term "secular" was used to describe aspects of life that were not governed by religious authority. However, over time, it came to be associated with a broader set of ideas and values:

• Separation of church and state: The belief that the government should not promote or favor any particular religion or religious organization.
• Religious freedom: The right of individuals to practice their beliefs without fear of persecution or discrimination.
• Pluralism: The acceptance and tolerance of different religious traditions and ideologies within a society.

In contemporary usage, the term "secular" is often associated with the concept of a secular society, which is characterized by:

• A separation of religion from political and legal institutions.
• The promotion of reason, science, and critical thinking.
• The protection of religious freedom for all individuals.

secular relate terms

• cosmos

  Etymology The word cosmos comes from the Greek word kosmos which means order or u

• cosmetic

  Etymology Cosmetic derives from the Late Latin word cosmeticus which means relati

• sinew

  Etymology The word sinew has its origins in the Old English term sinu meaning nerv

• century

  Etymology The word century is derived from the Latin word centuria which refers to a

• secularism

  Etymology The term secularism is derived from the Latin word saeculum meaning worl

• decree

  Etymology Middle English decreten from Old French decrier decretir from Latin decer

• canon

  Etymology The word canon originates from the Greek word kanōn meaning rule or m

• recluse

  Etymology The word recluse derives from the Latin word recludere meaning to shut o

• corporal

  Etymology Middle English corporal from Anglo Norman corporal from Latin corporalis

• religious

  Etymology The word religion is derived from the Latin word religio which means scru

• profane

  Etymology The word profane derives from the Latin profanus meaning outside the tem

• Italy

  Etymology and Meaning Latin Italia land of the calves Derived from the ancient Gre