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How to Be Secular: A Call to Arms for Religious Freedom
";Berlinerblau mounts a careful, judicious, and compelling argument that America needs more secularists€”not only among nonbelievers but among believers as well. It will change the way we think and talk about religious freedom."; €”Randall Balmer, author of Thy Kingdom How the Religious Right Distorts Faith and Threatens America Weary of religious conservatives urging ";defense of marriage"; and atheist polemicists decrying the crimes of religion? Sick of pundits who want only to recast American life in their own image? Americans are stuck in an all-or-nothing landscape for religion in public life. What are reasonable citizens to do? Seen as godless by the religious and weak by the atheists, secularism mostly has been misunderstood. In How to Be Secular, Berlinerblau argues for a return to America’s hard-won secular tradition; the best way to protect religious diversity and freedom lies in keeping an eye on the
336 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
32 people are currently reading
406 people want to read
About the author
Jacques Berlinerblau
23 books13 followersJACQUES BERLINERBLAU, is a professor of Jewish Civilization at Georgetown University. He possesses separate doctorates in ancient languages and literatures and theoretical sociology. He has published 10 books. Berlinerblau toggles between “pure” academic writing and more public-facing endeavors. In terms of the latter, he has written for, appeared on, or had his work discussed in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Economist, Salon, The Guardian, The New Republic, The Nation, NPR, Tablet, Commentary, The Forward, The Jerusalem Post, Haaretz, Canadian Broadcast Network, The Chronicle of Higher Education, Al-Jazeera, PBS, MSNBC, CBS, CBC, TF1, AFP, and CNN.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 2, 2018
BLEAK.
“Secularism is a political philosophy, which, at its core, is preoccupied with, and often deeply suspicious of, any and all relations between government and religion. It translates that preoccupation into various strategies of governance, all of which seek to balance two necessities: (1) the individual citizen’s need for freedom of, or freedom from, religion, and (2) a state’s need to maintain order.”—Preface (Kindle Location 112)
The trouble with secularism in America today, if I am understanding the message of Jacques Berlinerblau’s 2012 published book, How to Be Secular: A Call to Arms for Religious Freedom, is that it is too secular. What’s needed is to pare back the passion to a more homogenized, secular-lite, replace the harsh sounding ‘secular’ with the less abrasive ‘secularish’ and become much more accommodating to public religiosity; especially religiosity-lite, in hopes of siphoning off an ally or two. Is it just my paranoia or is it really always my tribe that has to be more accommodating?
In other words, it seems, to save secularism we need to gut it, completely disavow the elephant in the room, ‘separation-of-church-and-state,’ excommunicate all the atheists, anti-theists, agnostics, skeptics and freethinkers from the movement, and learn to play nice with the evangelicals in hopes of sopping up some crumbs from their triumphant table. A call to arms? Or a call to surrender? I’m not sure. I hope the former; but I urge you to read and decide for yourself.
Recommendation: Despite, or perhaps because, it so aroused my hackles; and because Berlinerblau makes many insightful points, especially about the history of secularism—I heartily recommend this book to all good and tolerant folks, whatever sports team they cheer for. Maybe we can keep the season going for another minute or two.
“The greatest threat to American secularism is not the Muslim extremist trying to nuke Times Square—though that too is something to lose sleep over. Rather, it is the lawful, and triumphant, march of the Christian Right down the boulevard of liberal democracy. To be a secularist today is to get continually trounced in democratic arenas, be they courthouses, legislatures, or public opinion polls. To be a secularist today is to be on the defensive, outnumbered, out-hustled, outfoxed and ensnared in the midst of a Great Awakening; only God knows when its flames will be extinguished.” (p. 192)
First Mariner Books, Kindle edition, 309 pages
“Secularism is a political philosophy, which, at its core, is preoccupied with, and often deeply suspicious of, any and all relations between government and religion. It translates that preoccupation into various strategies of governance, all of which seek to balance two necessities: (1) the individual citizen’s need for freedom of, or freedom from, religion, and (2) a state’s need to maintain order.”—Preface (Kindle Location 112)
The trouble with secularism in America today, if I am understanding the message of Jacques Berlinerblau’s 2012 published book, How to Be Secular: A Call to Arms for Religious Freedom, is that it is too secular. What’s needed is to pare back the passion to a more homogenized, secular-lite, replace the harsh sounding ‘secular’ with the less abrasive ‘secularish’ and become much more accommodating to public religiosity; especially religiosity-lite, in hopes of siphoning off an ally or two. Is it just my paranoia or is it really always my tribe that has to be more accommodating?
In other words, it seems, to save secularism we need to gut it, completely disavow the elephant in the room, ‘separation-of-church-and-state,’ excommunicate all the atheists, anti-theists, agnostics, skeptics and freethinkers from the movement, and learn to play nice with the evangelicals in hopes of sopping up some crumbs from their triumphant table. A call to arms? Or a call to surrender? I’m not sure. I hope the former; but I urge you to read and decide for yourself.
Recommendation: Despite, or perhaps because, it so aroused my hackles; and because Berlinerblau makes many insightful points, especially about the history of secularism—I heartily recommend this book to all good and tolerant folks, whatever sports team they cheer for. Maybe we can keep the season going for another minute or two.
“The greatest threat to American secularism is not the Muslim extremist trying to nuke Times Square—though that too is something to lose sleep over. Rather, it is the lawful, and triumphant, march of the Christian Right down the boulevard of liberal democracy. To be a secularist today is to get continually trounced in democratic arenas, be they courthouses, legislatures, or public opinion polls. To be a secularist today is to be on the defensive, outnumbered, out-hustled, outfoxed and ensnared in the midst of a Great Awakening; only God knows when its flames will be extinguished.” (p. 192)
First Mariner Books, Kindle edition, 309 pages
September 26, 2012
While I appreciated the historical and geopolitical overviews of secularism around the world and in the US, and the final chapter does offer some thought-provoking prescriptions for trying to hold back the tide of religious revivalism in the US, the book was fatally flawed, in my opinion, by Berlinerblau's overt animosity toward and sneering disdain for outspoken "New" atheists and, though to a lesser degree, hard-line church-state separationists. Fully the first-half of the book felt less like a scholarly treatise on secularism than a polemic against well-known atheists like Richard Dawkins and Sam Harris.
July 21, 2013
I am quite surprised by the negative goodreads reviews. I suppose it is because these reviewers were taken aback to find that this is a political book. As a political book, the author walks a middle line: speaking in practical terms about how to promote secularism in an America where secularism has become a dirty word. I guess this offends those whose secularism causes them to oppose each and every little "encroachment" upon their goal of living in a religion-free society. For my part, I found the author's approach refreshingly non-utopian and enjoyed his retelling of the history of the secular movement in the U.S.
February 18, 2020
Atheism, Secularism and Humanism are not synonymous. Jacques Berlinerblau explains in elegant detail why that is and why it matters. The premise of the book can be summarized in a single passage:
"A secularist may be a believer or a non-believer, secular and/or secularism, but always someone who rejects religious establishment. She or he maintains that a good society is one whose government permits its citizens the maximal possible degree of freedom of religion and freedom from religion while maintaining order. A secularist is flexible as to how the government may accomplish this goal and is thereby willing to consider options ranging from seperationism to accommodationism." (p.156)
The difference between seperationism (the complete segregation of ecclesiastical structures from governmental structures) and accommodationist (non-preferential treatment of a variety of religious structures) is subtle but critical. Absolute separation of Church and State is essentially impossible and more to the point undesirable. Accomodationism, or more accurately "non-preferentialism", is a closer approximation of what American governmental structures should uphold. A secular society is not one free of religious presence or even influence, but rather one that is not dictated by religious structures and authorities. The problem with American accommodationism is that it cannot be considered non-preferential by any stretch of the imagination. Christianity in general and conservative protestantism currently holds disproportionate influence. As Berlinerblau demonstrates at length, the rallying cry of "Religious Freedom" is actually a demand for maintaining religious privilege.
The end goal of "How to be Secular" is drawn from Kurtz and his notion "eupraxsophy". Eupraxsophy is a nonreligious worldview emphasizing the importance of living an ethical and exuberant life, and relying on rational methods such as logic, observation and science (rather than faith, mysticism or revelation) toward that end. This is the essence of Secular Humanism. One can be secular without being a humanist, but that does not provide any motivation for action. Humanism, especially in the mold of Kurtz and Hollyoake, provides the framework for making a secular society moral, equitable and sustainable. "How to be Secular" provides both the philosophical framework and practical advice necessary to pursue this goal.
"A secularist may be a believer or a non-believer, secular and/or secularism, but always someone who rejects religious establishment. She or he maintains that a good society is one whose government permits its citizens the maximal possible degree of freedom of religion and freedom from religion while maintaining order. A secularist is flexible as to how the government may accomplish this goal and is thereby willing to consider options ranging from seperationism to accommodationism." (p.156)
The difference between seperationism (the complete segregation of ecclesiastical structures from governmental structures) and accommodationist (non-preferential treatment of a variety of religious structures) is subtle but critical. Absolute separation of Church and State is essentially impossible and more to the point undesirable. Accomodationism, or more accurately "non-preferentialism", is a closer approximation of what American governmental structures should uphold. A secular society is not one free of religious presence or even influence, but rather one that is not dictated by religious structures and authorities. The problem with American accommodationism is that it cannot be considered non-preferential by any stretch of the imagination. Christianity in general and conservative protestantism currently holds disproportionate influence. As Berlinerblau demonstrates at length, the rallying cry of "Religious Freedom" is actually a demand for maintaining religious privilege.
The end goal of "How to be Secular" is drawn from Kurtz and his notion "eupraxsophy". Eupraxsophy is a nonreligious worldview emphasizing the importance of living an ethical and exuberant life, and relying on rational methods such as logic, observation and science (rather than faith, mysticism or revelation) toward that end. This is the essence of Secular Humanism. One can be secular without being a humanist, but that does not provide any motivation for action. Humanism, especially in the mold of Kurtz and Hollyoake, provides the framework for making a secular society moral, equitable and sustainable. "How to be Secular" provides both the philosophical framework and practical advice necessary to pursue this goal.
August 28, 2022
An ok book written by a liberal author who is well spoken, but most of his claims should be rejected.
The core the book advocates for statism that no real Christian would want.
An interesting read that gives a diverse opinion.
The core the book advocates for statism that no real Christian would want.
An interesting read that gives a diverse opinion.
December 5, 2014
The author seeks to reassert a basic principle of American constitutional law, the 1st Amendment prohibition of an official religious "establishment" in the United States. He takes great pains with terminology: he distinguishes "separation of church and state" as an interpretation but not actually in the Bill of Rights (an idea he has carried forward from Philip Hamburger's "Separation of Church and State" book of 2002).
The author traces the separation, such that it is, from Reformation times to its peak in mid-20th Century America and then its rapid decline in the face of a new period of religious revivalism. He does provide some good talking points in how the separation came about in the early days of the Republic, and about the intellectual founders of that separation -- Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, John Locke, Roger Williams, and Martin Luther (!), who felt that neither religion nor the state were well-served by commingling. (The author doesn't include de Tocqueville among those five, oddly enough, even though "Democracy in America" did have some striking observations on that).
The author does try to redefine and parse secularism in its various forms, and coins words like "secularish" to locate those religious types, notably, liberal religions, that might see a reason to prevent an official establishment of religion, which, given today's electorate, probably wouldn't be theirs. He talks about accomodationism. He does try, perhaps too strongly, to separate the more-notorious (and rare) militant atheists from secularism in general. Okay, he's trying to reframe the debate with new terminology, and he does try to break the secularism=atheism rhetoric, and he does say that anti-atheist prejudice can spill over against other forms of secularism. It still needs some patient reading to follow it. At least he understands that the secular "movement" in fact has been disorganized, tepid, and itself in separate fragments.
His grasp of the underlying legal principles seem sound (I've published a law review article on the Establishment Clause and religious tax exemption, so I know he has hit no wrong notes). He understands the Supreme Court rulings on school prayer, on disestablishment (the Walz and Lemon cases) and the gradual shift in Supreme Court thinking on religion. He does pose, in his final chapter, a way that American secularism might recover.
A worthwhile, informative and timely look at religion and the U.S. public forum. Recommend.
The author traces the separation, such that it is, from Reformation times to its peak in mid-20th Century America and then its rapid decline in the face of a new period of religious revivalism. He does provide some good talking points in how the separation came about in the early days of the Republic, and about the intellectual founders of that separation -- Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, John Locke, Roger Williams, and Martin Luther (!), who felt that neither religion nor the state were well-served by commingling. (The author doesn't include de Tocqueville among those five, oddly enough, even though "Democracy in America" did have some striking observations on that).
The author does try to redefine and parse secularism in its various forms, and coins words like "secularish" to locate those religious types, notably, liberal religions, that might see a reason to prevent an official establishment of religion, which, given today's electorate, probably wouldn't be theirs. He talks about accomodationism. He does try, perhaps too strongly, to separate the more-notorious (and rare) militant atheists from secularism in general. Okay, he's trying to reframe the debate with new terminology, and he does try to break the secularism=atheism rhetoric, and he does say that anti-atheist prejudice can spill over against other forms of secularism. It still needs some patient reading to follow it. At least he understands that the secular "movement" in fact has been disorganized, tepid, and itself in separate fragments.
His grasp of the underlying legal principles seem sound (I've published a law review article on the Establishment Clause and religious tax exemption, so I know he has hit no wrong notes). He understands the Supreme Court rulings on school prayer, on disestablishment (the Walz and Lemon cases) and the gradual shift in Supreme Court thinking on religion. He does pose, in his final chapter, a way that American secularism might recover.
A worthwhile, informative and timely look at religion and the U.S. public forum. Recommend.
May 19, 2017
This book was quite enjoyable. Going over the rise of Fundamentalism and other movements in the United States was pretty interesting to me since I have never heard about it before.
Anyway, the basic idea of secularism is acceptance of other religions. Apparently, it is being demonized by the religious right, which is something I had not heard of. I suppose I can understand people being really insular and out of touch with information in general, but I guess I always thought that people tended to think for themselves. Evidently, I was wrong.
Mr. Berlinerblau talks about the problems that secularism has along with how it can be fixed. These are not easy fixes but it is not like it is something I can do anything about. The main thing is that Secularism is almost a second thought, it is not an identity that is hammered into someone from childhood like a religion. Take me for instance. I was raised as a Roman Catholic Christian. Somehow along the way to where I am now, I began to doubt. I began to think for myself I suppose you could say. The biggest issue with even phrasing it like that is that it annoys people. It suggests that I am calling other people stupid which does not help my case.
The other problem is that Secularism is lumped together with Atheism, which is probably the biggest insult someone can throw in the political sphere. No one wants to be called an Atheist when running for some office. That too makes no sense to me. It's not like I go and join a cabal of dissidents so I can frolic and engage in unsavory activities. I just don't believe in God.
Anyway, all that aside, the book was pretty good. It was well-researched and enjoyable with lots of names I recognized.
Anyway, the basic idea of secularism is acceptance of other religions. Apparently, it is being demonized by the religious right, which is something I had not heard of. I suppose I can understand people being really insular and out of touch with information in general, but I guess I always thought that people tended to think for themselves. Evidently, I was wrong.
Mr. Berlinerblau talks about the problems that secularism has along with how it can be fixed. These are not easy fixes but it is not like it is something I can do anything about. The main thing is that Secularism is almost a second thought, it is not an identity that is hammered into someone from childhood like a religion. Take me for instance. I was raised as a Roman Catholic Christian. Somehow along the way to where I am now, I began to doubt. I began to think for myself I suppose you could say. The biggest issue with even phrasing it like that is that it annoys people. It suggests that I am calling other people stupid which does not help my case.
The other problem is that Secularism is lumped together with Atheism, which is probably the biggest insult someone can throw in the political sphere. No one wants to be called an Atheist when running for some office. That too makes no sense to me. It's not like I go and join a cabal of dissidents so I can frolic and engage in unsavory activities. I just don't believe in God.
Anyway, all that aside, the book was pretty good. It was well-researched and enjoyable with lots of names I recognized.
April 14, 2018
2.5 Stars. I can't say I liked it, but it wasn't just "OK". Perhaps it should be titled something more like: "Defining Secularism and the History of Secularism in America." Sure, it does have a call for more people to become secular (as in the separation of church and state and the disestablishment of religion in the political sphere). And there are a few good ideas, but really though. The title is a little misleading.
Cliff's notes version:
- Secularism is rooted in religion
- Secularism is not anti-religion, or anti-nonreligion (to each their own)
- [Lots of interesting historical stuff about secularism]
- Its best for secular people to work with moderates and all be secular, rather than relegating themselves to be strict and militant atheists or moderate Catholics.
Great for the message that secular is NOT the same as atheist. Its more a matter of separation of those ideas and keeping them from the political sphere. It is still possible to be secular and religious or non-religious.
Cliff's notes version:
- Secularism is rooted in religion
- Secularism is not anti-religion, or anti-nonreligion (to each their own)
- [Lots of interesting historical stuff about secularism]
- Its best for secular people to work with moderates and all be secular, rather than relegating themselves to be strict and militant atheists or moderate Catholics.
Great for the message that secular is NOT the same as atheist. Its more a matter of separation of those ideas and keeping them from the political sphere. It is still possible to be secular and religious or non-religious.
February 28, 2013
I tried and tried, but could not finish this book. Instead of taking a stand and declaring a stance, the author has this wishy-washy attitude about secularism. Also, I was not a fan of his writing style, with more text as direct quotes than original thought, it was like reading a research article.
April 7, 2013
It was alright. Mostly a big 'stop arguing about theology with the liberal religious and work with them to stop fundalmentalism.'
September 21, 2020
After reading The Secular Bible and now this work, Jacques Berlinerblau is this Christian theologian’s favorite atheist. Berlinerblau makes a reasoned and compelling case for why a) secularism is a necessary political philosophy for a free country, and b) why atheists and religious liberals and moderates should be working together to attain it. Berlinerblau defines secularism as the guarantee of religious freedom by refusing to enshrine any one religion as government-controlled, and by allowing all persons to embrace freedom in their own lives without harm to others. He examines and rejects France’s concept of negative secularism as damaging to the separation of church and state, and instead recommends not chasing the red herring of separation but the democratic pursuit of accommodationism (i.e. individual practice without state endorsement or harm). Berlinerblau also recognizes the existence of the “secularish” religious person such as myself, who is deeply devout and religious but sees the harm in having an overtly religious government (Berlinerblau mentions that Mennonites such as myself know the dangers of church-state enforcement all too well!). Finally, he offers a 12-step program of “tough love for American secularism” that will help both atheists and believers to save the United States from the right-wing Christian Revivalists who seek to run our country in a fashion which is both explicitly un-American and against the Gospel of Christ. I’m a secularish Mennonite Christian theologian – sign me up.
June 22, 2017
I found this enjoyable and insightful. The author not only strives to define what secularism is but also to show what it has achieved and where it has failed particularly in the United States. He offers a critique into its current weaknesses, particularly its current hijacking by New Atheists whose attitudes are too extreme for mainstream acceptance in a battle against radical Christian Revivalists who have the greater numbers. If secularism is to survive, thrive and protect American society, the author effectively argues that it must be by joining forces with moderate faith groups whose best interests lay in ensuring that no one powerful religious voice dominates the rest. The book is well argued and brimming with history and analysis, but is quite accessible. Recommended.
October 15, 2012
If you think secularism is some sort of problem, you should read this book.
If you think separation of church and state is a bad idea ( or a good idea ... ), you should read this book.
If you think somebody needs to file a lawsuit every time a manger goes up on the town square, you should read this book.
If you think "secular" equals "atheist," you should read this book.
OK, you should read this book. Jacques Berlinerblau offers thoughts on why secularism is losing ground in the U.S., and some suggestions as to how it might gain traction. Whatever side of the church/state battles you normally come down on, you will find material here to challenge your assumptions. It is a breezy read thanks to extensive use of footnotes.
If you think separation of church and state is a bad idea ( or a good idea ... ), you should read this book.
If you think somebody needs to file a lawsuit every time a manger goes up on the town square, you should read this book.
If you think "secular" equals "atheist," you should read this book.
OK, you should read this book. Jacques Berlinerblau offers thoughts on why secularism is losing ground in the U.S., and some suggestions as to how it might gain traction. Whatever side of the church/state battles you normally come down on, you will find material here to challenge your assumptions. It is a breezy read thanks to extensive use of footnotes.
October 15, 2012
Interesting history of the rise and fall and (hopefully) rise of secularism, as well as in depth analysis of what secularism is and is not. Good discussions about why secularism is important -- and why even the very religious should have an interest in this cause. I'll remember a few of these arguments for the next time I run into staunch conservatives espousing prayer in schools. The last chapter provides a list of "to-do's" to promote secularism. In today's political environment, that will be a difficult challenge.
October 6, 2012
Thank you to goodreads and the publisher for my First Reads copy!
How to Be Secular presents a good argument for increased separation of church and state in the US. I hope it falls into the hands of moderates. Ideally religious conservatives would read it, but I won't hold my breath. As for me, nothing in it was revelatory. I will remember this book not for changing my way of thinking, but for its cogent arguments and cheeky humor.
How to Be Secular presents a good argument for increased separation of church and state in the US. I hope it falls into the hands of moderates. Ideally religious conservatives would read it, but I won't hold my breath. As for me, nothing in it was revelatory. I will remember this book not for changing my way of thinking, but for its cogent arguments and cheeky humor.
April 21, 2013
A lucid argument about the value of secularism to our society for the religious and irreligious. Berlinerblau gives a fairly deep history of religion and religious freedom in the US, as well as the legislative battles that have been fought for the last 450 years. He outlines the value of retaining a secular government as well as the dangers to religion should the wall of separation fall.
December 1, 2014
to put it simply, extremisim bad. moderation good. this should be a duh statement and yet... secularism isn't the dirty word some would have you believe and no, it does not equate to anti-religious. this was a really good read and worth while for anyone wondering if there's a way forward in unifying a currently polarized nation.
February 28, 2013
I wish I could give it zero stars. It was so terrible I couldn't even force myself to read 1/4 of it. The author's writing style is unbearable. He seems to harbor a deep-seated hatred for atheists and a contempt for people that want religion and government to be completely separate.
March 23, 2013
While I really agree with the overall ideas presented here - tolerance of individual thought, accountability of person action on those thoughts, and keeping the public square diverse - I couldn't stomach Berlinerblau's writing style.
June 6, 2014
Although the book was listed under spirituals and religious topics when I borrowed it from the library, the book is purely and heavily political. If you enjoy reading political analysis and academic researches then you will be okay. Otherwise, you may dislike it.
December 23, 2014
Rather interesting book, although mostly aimed at the US-based readers. Interestingly enough, the book is written in such respectful towards religion way that it actually made me want to explore religion – something very unusual for a person rather sceptical towards organized religion.
February 2, 2023
Excellent book!!!
March 5, 2018
Excellently written and well researched, this book explores what secularism is - and perhaps even more importantly - what it isn't. An enlightening and timely read.
January 6, 2013
I tried to read this but it was more political than I expected, or than I wanted to read.
September 9, 2014
It is extremely elucidating to the problems facing secularism today in the United States of America.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews