Secularism

What is Secularism?

Secularism is the principle of separating religion from government and public life, ensuring that religious beliefs do not dictate policies or state affairs. It promotes the idea that society should function based on reason, science, and rationality, rather than religious dogma. Secularism is not synonymous with Atheism; individuals who are religious can also support secularism, especially in multicultural societies, as it guarantees freedom of religion and prevents the dominance of any single faith. The concept of secularism has evolved over time and varies across cultures. It can manifest in different ways, from passive forms, where religion is tolerated in public, to more assertive models, where religious influence is minimized in all public spheres.

Secularism: Ancient Roots and Early Thought

While modern secularism is often associated with the Enlightenment, its origins can be traced back to ancient times. Early secular thought emerged in Ancient Greece, where philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle began to shift the focus from religious explanations of the world to rational inquiry and observation. These Thinkers questioned the role of gods in explaining natural phenomena and promoted the use of reason as a way to understand human existence and the universe. This move away from religious explanations laid the groundwork for later secular developments. Over time, as religious movements grew in influence, secular ideas evolved as a counterpoint, offering alternative perspectives on governance, ethics, and human agency. Secularism, in its early forms, was a response to the dominance of religion, proposing that society could thrive by relying on reason and empirical knowledge rather than divine authority.

Religion remains Mainstream

Despite secularism's ancient roots, 85% of the global population still identify with a religious faith. Religion remains firmly entrenched in mainstream tradition, and stands in contrast to the esoteric knowledge we aim to explore and share at Esoteric.Love.

While many religions offer valuable moral lessons, they have historically used rules and indoctrination to maintain control and order, sometimes influencing societies from an early age. Indeed the very foundations of traditional education through schools and universities are bring brought into question in our Technocratic age of Artificial Intelligence.

Our focus, however, is on knowledge that lies beyond the mainstream, questioning orthodoxy and challenging conventional wisdom as humanity evolves. We do not oppose religion, but as society, technology, and Consciousness advance, it is only natural to let go of outdated practices and adopt fresh perspectives that move humanity forward. Religion, to stay relevant in today's world, must evolve and reform, as it has done through out previous eras. 

At Esoteric.Love, our aim is to foster progress through open-minded discussions by Connecting through in person Symposiums, sharing knowledge from the past, present, and future to broaden worldviews and inspire collective Awakening.