The case for secularism

The Case for Secularism: A neutral state in an open society by Julian Baggini et al.
London: British Humanist Association

This is a brief and well-written argument for secularism. By secularism is meant: 'a neutral state in an open society'. They make clear that they do not mean by this an atheist state.

They use three key arguments to defend their position the argument from autonomy, the argument from fairness and the argument from pragmatism.

In essence, they want a naked public square, but they are willing to allow religion in the private sphere. However, their naked public square is anything but naked, it is populated by the liberal values of individuality, freedom, autonomy, and the separation of religion and politics (church and state).

A much better model for pluralism without denigrating religious views (including liberalism) is that advocated by Abraham Kuyper: sphere sovereignty. A position that has all the advantages that these authors seek, but without dismissing religion to a private sphere.





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