A Short History of Secularism
Smith, Graeme
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BOOK SUMMARY
What does it mean to call Western society 'secular'? What is secularism? And how should we understand the the concept of 'secularism' in international relations, particularly the clash between radical Islam and the West? The word 'secular' has come to mea
BOOK SYNOPSIS
What does it mean to call Western society 'secular'? What is secularism? And how should we understand the the concept of 'secularism' in international relations, particularly the clash between radical Islam and the West? The word 'secular' has come to mean that which belongs to this life, to the here and now, in this world. It is widely used as a shorthand for the ideology which shapes contemporary society without reference to the divine. However, according to Graeme Smith, 'secularism' represents a great deal more. He offers a radical reappraisal of the notion of secularism and its history, beginning with the Greeks and proceeding to modernity and the contemporary period. The assumption that the West is becoming increasingly secular is often unquestioned. By contrast, Dr Smith discerns a different kind of society: one informed by a historical legacy which makes sense only when it is appreciated that it is religious. Secularism was born of Christianity. Daringly - and very originally - Smith argues that it is impossible to understand the idea of the secular without appreciating that, at root, it is Christian. A Short History of Secularism will fundamentally reshape discussions of western culture, religion and politics, and will have strong appeal to students of religion, political philosophy and the history of ideas.
BOOK REVIEWS
"A lucid and strikingly original account of secularization. The book confounds both secularization theorists who announce the disappearance of Christianity and Christians who claim a religious identity untouched by historical change. By contrast, Dr Smith's own interpretation makes sense of the broad sweep of Western history and the shared moral convictions of modern liberal democracies. It offers a departure from the cautious revisions of Weber and Durkheim that have dominated the literature. This bold and provocative book deserves to be widely read; and, if widely read, it will certainly be widely discussed."--Robin W. Lovin, Southern Methodist University
"Offers fascinating insights into Western secularism. His engagement with key theorists and theories gives the reader a clear and accessible map of secularism as this has been understood in Western thinking. On his map he helpfully charts the chief patterns of religious engagement and disengagement within Western society. There are important chapters here on Christian identity, popular religion in the medieval period, Victorian Christianity and contemporary religious belief. Smith writes well and lucidly about current debates in sociology of religion regarding the secularization thesis. He also discusses topics that are of great interest to modern political theorists. A Short History of Secularism will be mandatory reading for both undergraduate and postgraduate students in religion and politics who seek an understanding of the concept and theories of secularism in the West."--Angie Pears, Oxford Brookes University
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MORE BOOK INFO
ISBN: 1845115767
ISBN(13-digit): 9781845115760
Dewey Decimal: 200
Book Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
Language: ENG
No. of Pages: 221
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