Secularism: The Basics

by Jacques Berlinerblau

The Basics is a concise and engaging introduction to confusing and contradictory public discussions of secularism across the globe.

“Secularism” must be the most confused and convoluted term in the entire global political lexicon. From New York to Paris, to Istanbul, to Addis Ababa, to New Delhi, to Montevideo, there are countless examples of politicians, religious leaders and journalists, invoking the S-word in heated debates about public education, gender, sex, national symbols, and artistic freedom. In this lively and lucid book, Jacques Berlinerblau addresses why secularism is defined in so many ways and why it so ignites people’s passions. In so doing, he explores the following important What does secularism mean? Why should we care about this idea? What are the different types of secularism and what are their histories? What are the basic principles of political secularisms? Why are secularism and Atheism often confused? What is the relationship between secularism and LGBTQ rights? What opposition are secularisms up against? What does the future hold for a concept millennia in the making, but only really operationalized in the twentieth century?

With a glossary of key terms, case studies, informative tables, and suggestions for further reading throughout, the book considers key philosophical, religious, anti-religious, post-modern and post-colonial arguments around secularism. This book is an ideal starting point for anyone seeking a readable introduction to the often-conflicting interpretations of one of our era’s most complex and controversial ideas.

220 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 30, 2021

About the author

JACQUES 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.

Reviews

[Lea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this while taking the class with Prof. Berlinerblau. Very well researched and explained, especially section on laïcité. Would be neat to include chapters on Israel and Lebanon and needs periodical updating as the United States continues to enact policies and laws that favor the Christians in this country, at the expense of everyone else.

[Alysia Sunshine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book in which the first chapter starts with defining terms and then weaves that throughout the entire book gets a 5-star rating from me! Unfortunately the graphics in the book were printed poorly and were unreadable so giving it a 4. It supports the readers ability to build clarity during the complexity resulting in a feeling that the author truely respects the subject and the reader.

I let out a sigh of deep knowing after the last sentence that the plight of secularism as the referee feels so “yet to be determined” and yet fundamentally necessary.

[Celina Brötje · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informational. Secularist and Anti-secularist movements are come both to light quite well. In general very interesting topic.