Telangana TSBIE TS Inter 1st Year Political Science Study Material 9th Lesson Secularism Textbook Questions and Answers.
TS Inter 1st Year Political Science Study Material 9th Lesson Secularism
Long Answer Questions
Question 1.
Define Secularism and explain the conceptions of Secularism.
Answer:
Introduction :
Secularism is one of the characteristic feature of a Modem State. Secular State explains the relation between the State and Religion. The concept of secularism was popularised by the state authority to control the religion and religious authority over the state affairs.
Meaning :
The term “Secular” in Latin language means “Of this World”. It denotes the meaning “the opposite of Religion”.
Definitions:
1) E.S. Waterhouse :
Secularism is an ideology which provides a theory of life and conduct as against one provided in Religion”.
2) G.J. Holyoake :
“Secularism is an idea of promoting a social order as separate from religion without actively dismissing or criticising religious beliefs”.
Conceptions of Secularism :
Secularism has many conceptions. Some of them may be explained as below :
1. Secularism a humanistic and atheistic philosophy :
Secularism has several personal, cultural, political and social implications. It was humanistic in nature as it seeks the well being of human beings. It assigns importance to the saying that man is the measure of all things. It neither supports nor opposes religion. It allows individuals with the discretion of choosing and following their religion.
2. Political and social dimension :
Secularism has certain political and social dimensions. It stands for the achievement of autonomous political and social order having naturalistic and materialistic perspectives. It allows religious freedom in the matters of family, association and society.
3. Liberty and democracy :
Secularism serves as a beneficial element of liberty and democracy. It also acts as the basis of liberal democracy. It strongly opposes the existence, continuance and survival of authoritarian religious leaders and institutions. It advocated democracy and decentralisation of governmental powers.
4. Opposition to religion :
Secularism is vehemently opposed to the supporting of religion in public matters. It condemned the presence and dominance of eclesiastical authorities. It relegated religion to unimportant matters of life. It considered that people could follow their rituals without affecting the peace and order in society Individuals must carry on their religious activities without causing harm, hatred and ill-will among the followers of other religious denominations. They must consider the noble aims and aspirations of the makers of the constitution.
Question 2.
Explain the merits of Secularism.
Answer:
Introduction :
Secularism is one of the characteristic feature of a Modem State. Secular State explains the relation between the State and Religion. The concept of secularism was popularised by the state authority to control the religion and religious authority over the state affairs.
Meaning :
The term “Secular” in Latin language means “Of this World”. It denotes the meaning “the opposite of religion”.
Definitions:
1) E.S. Waterhouse :
Secularism is an ideology which provides a theory of life and conduct as against one provided in Religion”.
2) G.J. Holyoake :
“Secularism is an idea of promoting a social order as separate from religion without actively dismissing or criticising religious beliefs”.
Merits of Secularism :
The following are some of the important merits of secularism.
1. Equality :
Secularism forms as the basis of equalitarian society. It treats the people belonging to all religious denominations as equal. It gives no recognition to the man made’ inequalities and. discriminations based on caste, colour, community, region, religion, language, race etc. People will have a strong favourable impression towards the nation.
2. Religious freedom :
Secularism enables the individuals to enjoy their religious freedom to their full extent. The state will not interfere in the religious affairs of individuals. The Constitution and various laws in a Secular State will provide individuals with complete freedom to embrance, profess, practice and propagate any religion as they like.
3. Law and order :
Now a days one can observe unhappy, miserable and pro-religious movements that are organized by different sections of government, state and other department. The maintenance of communal harmony became a challenging task for the state in pacifying the feelings the people belonging to various religious denominations. Secularism avoids communal clashes and religious bigotry and animosities in the society. This is due to the fact that secularism ultimately promotes religious harmony among the people.
4. Rule of law :
Secularism accords recognition to the concept of Rule of Law. A state following secularism will enact laws and implements them keeping in view the interest of not a particular religious denomination, the people belonging to all religious denomination. It will not take into account the religious dogmas while making laws. Similarly it makes no discrimination between the people on the ground of religion.
5. Tolerance :
Secularism preaches tolerance and kindness. It believes in universal brotherhood of man and fatherhood of God. It professes, propagates and practices the noble principles of charity, kindness, love, magnanimity, non-violence etc. As a result, Secularism is characterized by the peaceful co-existence of people and smooth working of the polity and social institutions in the state.
6. National integration :
Secularism serves as the best means for fostering national unity and integrity feelings among the people. It is also considered as the best device for achieving unity in diversity. It brings unity among the people of various religious beliefs and practices.
7. Protection to the minorities :
Secularism treats all alike. It makes no discrimination between the people of majority and other sections of society. At the same time it extends special facilities to the minority sections for preserving and promoting their interests against the dominance of majority religious group. It teaches the people about the significance of religious tolerance towards minority sections.
8. Alround progress :
The greatest merit of secularism relates to the achievement of alround progress of the people. This is possible due to the prevalence of rule of law, religious tolerance, neutral attitude of the government etc. Especially the government will make all efforts for the development of the people of all religious denominations in all spheres of welfare, social justice, protecting the interests of disadvantages sections etc.
Question 3.
Write an essay on Secularism in Indian context.
Answer:
Indian way of using the word “Secularism” is different from the way it is used in Western countries. The cultural co-existence in India is historically a very important phenomena. It is present in India since longtime. It started from the invasions of Muslims in the early medieval period. The later part Of the enlightment period witnessed the British invasion on India. This introduced Christianity in India. Many Christian Missionaries came to India and set up many educational institutions and Churches. After independence the constitution of India provided for secularism as the basic philosophy underlying the organization and functioning of Indian Republic. Accordingly the Indian constitution declared India as a secular state.
The governments in India including the union, state and local adopted secularism in theory and practice. It should not practice religion in public affairs in the matters of legislation, execution and administration of the state. People of India are allowed complete religious freedom for professing, practicing and propogating their respective religious beliefs.
The Indian State will be neither irreligious nor anti-religious. Instead it adopts a neutral policy in religious matters. It is not entitled to impose taxes or collect them purely on religious grounds. Admission into the staff owned or state funding institutions are completely prohibited on religious grounds. Similarly, propagation or religious programmes in public institutions are banned. Hence secularism carries a lot of importance as per the constitutional provisions.
Short Answer Questions
Question 1.
Write about the origin of Secularism.
Answer:
The ancient Roman emperors denied recognition to the Christian religion. In the medieval period social and religious reformers like Martin Luther and Calvin Zwingle challenged the spiritual monopoly of religious heads. They advocated that religion and spiritual matters are purely personal and private matters. Their speeches marked a break through in religious matters. In modem period, political thinkers like Machiavelli and Jean Bodin emphasized the need for the separation of religion from politics.
John Locke and other liberal thinkers advised the people to follow religious tolerance. In course of time, the writings of the above thinkers influenced the people who began to treat religion as a private and personal affair. In the United States, President Thomas Jafforson explained the real meaning of Secularism by stating that there exists a wall of separation between the State and the Religion.
Question 2.
What is essence of Secularism?
Answer:
Secularism is essentially an advocacy in independent, separate or distinct ideologies separate from religion. It is a view of life based on the principle that morality, education and government should not be related to the religion. It contends that ethical standards of society and norms of governance should be determined exclusively on the basis of the present life and world, not of the divine. Secularism does not aim at repudiation of religion. It merely affirms that church and state are two separate entities. Secularism enables the individuals to enjoy their religious freedom to their full extent. The state will not interfere in the religious affairs of individuals. Secularism preaches tolerance and kindness. It believes in universal brotherhood of man. Secularism serves as the best means for fostering national units and integrity feelings among the people.
Question 3.
Explain any four merits of Secularism.
Answer:
Merits of Secularism :
The following are some of the important merits of secularism.
1. Equality :
Secularism forms as the basis of equalitarian society. It treats the people belonging to all religious denominations as equal. It gives no recognition to the man made inequalities and discriminations based on caste, colour, community, region, religion, language, race etc. People will have a strong favourable impression towards the nation.
2. Religious freedom :
Secularism enables the individuals to enjoy their religious freedom to their full extent. The state will not interfere in the religious affairs of individuals. The Constitution and various laws in a Secular State will provide individuals with complete freedom to embrance, profess, practice and propagate any religion as they like.
3. Law and order :
Now a days one can observe unhappy, miserable and pro-religious movements that are organized by different sections of government, state and other department.
The maintenance of communal harmony became a challenging task for the state in pacifying the feelings the people belonging to various religious denominations. Secularism avoids communal clashes and religious bigotry and animosities in the society. This is due to the fact that secularism ultimately promotes religious harmony among the people.
4. Rule of law :
Secularism accords recognition to the concept of Rule of Law. A state following secularism will enact laws and implements them keeping in view the interest of not a particular religious denomination, the people belonging to all religious denomination. It will not take into account the religious dogmas while making laws. Similarly it makes no discrimination between the people on the ground of religion.
Question 4.
What is Indian Secularism?
Answer:
It is asserted that India is a secular state. The addition of the word secular to our constitution by 42nd amendment in 1976 proves this fact. Even from the beginning of the Indian constitution, India is a secular state. Several provisions of the Indian Constitution also prove this fact.
1. According to Article 25, every Indian citizen enjoys the freedom to profess, practice and propagate the religion of his own choice. It also allow them to donate their properties for the religious purposes.
2. Article 26 guarantees every person to :
a) Establish and maintain religious and charitable institutions
b) Manage his (or) her religious affairs
c) Own and acquire movable and immovable properties and
d) Maintain such properties in accordance with law.
3. Article 27 states that state shall not impose any tax upon the individual for the development of religions. It also implies that state shall not impose taxes on the basis of the religious principles of individuals.
4. Article 28 forbids the imparting of religious teachings in the educational institutions which are wholly or partly aided by the government. No religious prayers or discussions shall be conducted in educational institutions.
Question 5.
What are the features of Secular State?
Answer:
Features of Secular State : Secular State comprises the following features.
1. No place for religion :
Secular States does not assign significance to any particular religion. It will not make laws or implement them on religious grounds.
2. Equal status :
Secular State accords equal status to its people. It makes no differentiation between individuals on the grounds of their caste, colour, community, religion, race, region, language etc. As a result, people will have satisfaction and extend co-operation to the govemtnent in the implementation of various policies and programmes. They live together with the fellow members of other religious denominations.
3. No state religion :
Secular state does not recognize any particular religion as the state religion. It adopts neutral policy in religious matters. It implements various laws and social welfare measures without basing on the religious feelings of the people. It will not assign special role to any particular religion in public activities. All public places like educational institutions, government offices and judicial organizations will carry on their activities without aligning to a particular religion.
Question 6.
Describe the Secularism and Secular State.
Answer:
Secularism is one of the characteristic feature of a modem state. Secular state explains the relation between the state and religion. The concept of secularism was popularised by the state authority to control the religion and religious aurhority over the state affairs. Secularism is an important social and political phenomenon. Many states of the contemporary world have adopted secularism as their policy in public matters. Secularism is essentially an advocacy in independent, separate or distinct ideologies separate from religion.
Secular state is wholly non-religious in the sense that it has no official Religion of its own is totally indifferent to all the religions followed by its citizens in their private life. It grants every individual the freedom to follow any religion or non religion in his personal life. It does not compel him to promote any religion by paying taxes for its propagation or by any other means. The state will not have any religion of its own. i.e., it will promote any religion and at the same time it interfere with none.
Very Short Answer Questions
Question 1.
Define Secularism.
Answer:
Meaning :
The term “Secular” in Latin language means “Of this World”. It denotes the meaning “the opposite of Religion”.
Definitions :
1) E.S. Waterhouse :
Secularism is an ideology which provides a theory of life and conduct as against one provided in Religion”.
2) G.J. Holyoake :
“Secularism is an idea of promoting a social order as separate from religion without actively dismissing or criticising religious beliefs”.
Question 2.
What is Secularism?
Answer:
Secularism is one of the characteristic feature of a modern state. The concept of secularism was popularised by the state authority to control the religion and religious authority over the sate affairs. Secularism is an important social and political phenomenon. Secularism is essentially an advocacy in independent, separate or distinct ideologies separate from religion.
Question 3.
What is Theocratic State?
Answer:
The state having an official religion is called a theocratic state. In such state all other religions or religious activities are either prohibited or discouraged by the state all the official and important offices of the state are either appointed or elected only those from the official religion. State officially participates in the religious affairs and rituals.
Question 4.
In what ways does secularism enables religious freedom to individual?
Answer:
Secularism does not recognize any particular religion as the state religion. Secular state adopts neutral policy in religious matters. It implements various laws and social welfare measures without basing on the religious feelings of the people. :
Question 5.
How does rule of law promotes Secularism?
Answer:
Secularism accords recognition to the concept of Rule of Law. A state following secularism will enact laws and implements them keeping in view the interest of not a particular religious denomination, the people belonging to all religious denominations. It will not take into account the religious dogmas while making laws. Similarly, it makes no discrimination between the people on the grounds of religion in the matters of legislation enforcement and adjudication of laws.
Question 6.
Define Secular State.
Answer:
D.E. Smith defined Secular State as “None while guaranteeing individual and corporate freedom of religion, which deals with the individual as a citizen irrespective of his religion”.
Question 7.
Write about any two features of Secular State.
Answer:
Features of Secular State : Secular State comprises the following features.
1. No place for religion :
Secular States does not assign significance to any particular religion. It will not make laws or implement them on religious grounds.
2. Equal status :
Secular state accords equal status to its people. It makes no differentiation between individuals on the grounds of their caste, colour, community, religion, race, region, language etc. As a result, people will have satisfaction and extend co-operation to the government in the implementation of various policies and programmes. They live together with the fellow members of other religious denominations.
Question 8.
What is the meanivig of Secular State?
Answer:
The term ‘Secular’ in Latin language means “of this world”. It denotes the meaning “the opposite of religion”. The English word ‘Secular’ comes from the Latin “Saeculum” which means “An age” or “the spirit of an age”. According to E.S. Waterhouse, “Secularism is an ideology which provides a theory of life and conduct as against one provided in religion.