What Does It Mean That Our Society Is Secular Society? [ 1:36 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (20)

Most sociologists agree that Western civilization has by and large become secularized.  But what exactly does this mean?  The philosopher Charles Taylor (Professor Emeritus at McGill University) helps us get a grip:  “To say that we live in a secular civilization is to say that God is no longer inescapable.  It doesn’t mean that we live in a society from which God has been expelled.”

I like this definition because it challenges the conventional wisdom.  Most would say that living in a secular culture means that by and large people don’t believe in God. But as we know from American culture, this cannot be the case. Though we are increasingly secular, the number of people believing in the existence of God remains relatively unfazed.  Polls continue to register 90+% believing in a supreme being.  So what’s the difference?

Being a secular society is not defined by whether or not people believe in God but in HOW they believe in God.  In a secular society “God” becomes privatized and is no longer the ground upon which the society is built. “God” is welcomed to town; He just needs to maintain his proper place at the margins of the public square.  He can help an individual find “personal truth”; but He can never be called upon to establish “public truth”.  Certainly, God is invited to participate; He’s just not allowed to rule.

Something to think about from “The Kingdom Perspective”.

Why do the nations say,
“Where is their God?”
Our God is in heaven;
he does whatever pleases him.
But their idols are silver and gold,
made by the hands of men.

~Psalm 115