✅Secularism Flashcards
What is secularism?
The idea that religious beliefs and institutions should not affect how the state is run- all belief systems are equal in the eyes of the law
Examples of secular states
France and the United States.
What is secularisation?
Process of making a society more schedular by removing the influence of religious institutes.
Who believes god is an illusion and the result of wishful fulfilment?
Freud, Dawkins. Said society would be happier without Christianity as it is infantile, repressive and accuses conflict.
Who views that Christianity should play no part in public life?
Secular humanists, that Christina’s belief is personal and should play no part in public life, including education and schools, and government and state
What does infantile mean?
Childish, for Freud, this referred to the earliest stage of a persons development.
What is neurosis?
A mental illness with symptoms of stress which as anxiety and obsessive disorder.
What did Freud and Dawkins think of religion?
God is an illusion and a wish fulfilment, it is infantile, repressive and accuses conflict.
Who was Freud? And what was his core belief?
An atheist psychoanalyst who believed religion is the cause of neuroses, and that some point in the future, science will be able to answer all the key questions because psychoanalysis will cure people of religious belief
What is the Oedipus complex?
A boy learns he cannot sexually possess his mother, and feels jealously towards his father. This resentment is repressed into the subconscious mind and projects onto the idea of God. God is the ultimate father figure
How was freuds ideas expressed in cultures?
Expressed in primitive cultures through the totem poles. The Phillip symbol of maleness in societies where one went to seek forgiveness. In modern society, this is the make God we seek comfort from through religious ritual.
What is “universal obsessional neurosis” to Freud?
The repetition of the worship which is obsessional and found in all parts of society.
Why does Freud think religion is bad?
It is unhealthy and this leads to negativity within society, it causes conflicts,
Quote of Dawkins to describe religious taught to children?
“There is something infantile in the presumption that somebody else has a responsibility to give your life meaning and point.”
The god delusions
What is Dawkins? And what is his main belief?
Evolutionary biologist known for his rejection of a need for a creator God, given the evidence for evolution, and the increased understanding of scientific practices.
Why does Dawkins think religion is and for society?
It is problematic for society, as it causes war and conflict, it holds children back, and it is a form of child abuse because parts label their Children before they can think for themselves.
Why does Dawkins think religious people are absurd?
Christians who believe eviction and the Big Bang didn’t happen and the world was literally created there in the book Genesis, 6000 years ago and in 6 days, is silly. There is so much evidence against this that Dawkins is demonstrating their ignorance.
Why do people think Christina believes should play no part in public life
Secular humanists think it shouldn’t, as people can live happy lives whiteout religion
What is secular humanism?
Term used for those who thinks humans can live positive, good lives without religion. While not necessarily an organised group, humanists have come together to declare common values.
What fraction of schools are state schools?
One third of schools in United Kingdom are faith schools. Mainly Church of England and Roman Catholic foundations.
What does Dawkins think about faith schools?
Opponent of faith education and believes it is time for them to me replaced.
Arguments for faith schools
Only one third are faith schools, so people still have a choice
Church attendance has been dropping but many still consider themselves Christian and should be allowed to reflect this in edicational choices
All schools have mission statements and value systems of one sort of another, so faith schools are no different from other schools
It reflects diversity and tolerance, fundamental British values
Pupils in faith schools are as diverse as the societies they exist in, they aren’t necessarily made up only of their faith background.
Arguments against faith schools
Labelling children from a young age.
Teaching in some areas, such as RE and science, might be subject to bias.
Children in faith schools are not fully aware of the rest of the secular society
Faith schools might reflect some people’s narrow views of what religious people are like
Faith should be something only taught by parents and religious communities
How does religious link to the government?
UK historically has close ties between Christianity and the state. Chrihc of England is a national Church and the queen is its supreme governor. Some bishops have automatic seats in the shoe of lords. Some argue these historic links should be separate because it would reflect the reality of the 21st century Britain.