Influence of Secularism in Modern British Society

Running head: SOCIOLOGY
Sociology
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1SOCIOLOGY
Essay No 2
The purpose of this following essay is to discuss about influence of secularism in the
modern British society. To begin the essay the most crucial facts about terrorism, the definition
of terrorism should be given. Secularism is mainly a separation between the state and religion. It
has been observed at the first place that in previous time, state and religion joined hands to
govern the country. This had been problematic fact for people of those countries if any conflicts
arose (Birt, Siddiqui and Hussain, 2016). This is why the concept of secularism has come into
existence. Secularism is implied in the states when religion is rejected from being involved in
political affairs. People governing states should never allow religious affairs get into methods of
running the state properly. Secularism has become a very big question in terms of British society.
People from all circles of life with different religions have assimilated in the last few
decades. This has become a very interesting aspect for Britain as critics have argued in favor of
declaring Britain as a secular state. The number of non-believers has risen to a record high.
Numerous people are of the opinion that they should be free of religion in Britain. The common
public has shared their values and beliefs that they do not like the tag of Britain being called a
Christian country. Since, people of all religions come and live in Britain very happily and in
harmony. People not believing any religious faiths are the majority. The politics of current times
has encouraged secularism in the society. There are certain instances where intolerance about
religion has become a huge problem in the society of Britain. This is why it has become very
much crucial for people to advocate for secularism.
At the beginning of discussion, a proper definition for secularism should be given.
Secularism is somewhat similar to the meaning of atheism in terms of religion. People who

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believe in secularism seem to give up faith on religion and God. Secularist people think that are
disadvantaged in the society just because religious followers are given many advantage
(Berlinerblau 2017). Thus their social position has been somewhat diminished. Apart from that
believers of secularism have opined that religious beliefs and becoming dependent on secularism
has been one of the main reasons why the role of education is not getting the expected
momentum and it works as a barrier for creating a culturally diversified and harmonious society.
Secularism has been practiced in some western societies of late since people believe that
unfair advantages are given to people who believe in religious faiths. This is becoming quite an
interesting fact in the British societies in the coming times. There are some claims of secularists
in England (Berlinerblau 2017). Previously in the last few centuries it has been seen that
religious faiths have given several advantages to the people and this is why church and state must
be separated. Other than that, they want to disestablish the Church of England. In England and
other countries of Britain, practice of giving money to religious foundations has been very
common. These religious organizations have always used this money for their missionary work
(Singleton 2014).
The views of three theorists could be ascribed to this issue. They are Emile Durkheim,
Max Weber and Karl Marx. In the view of Karl Marx, religion is a tool or medium that has been
used by capitalist societies to promote inequality within the society. Durkheim seems to be the
first sociologist who critically analyzed about the impacts of religion on the society. According
to her, religion is the medium that bounds people of all communities together and thus promoting
social cohesion (Singleton 2014). This view of Durkheim is completely opposite to that of Marx.
She believed religion could bring stability into the society instead of differences. So, she has
advocated for a major role of religion in future so people can live in harmony together in the