Short History of Secularism, A

By Graeme Smith

Book Description

In a world where the divide between sacred and secular seems increasingly pronounced, Graeme Smith presents a provocative exploration that challenges our fundamental assumptions about Western society. Rather than accepting the common narrative that modernity has steadily moved away from religious influence, Smith unveils a startling paradox: the very concept of secularism is deeply rooted in Christian tradition.

Tracing the evolution of secular thought from ancient Greece through contemporary times, this illuminating work reveals how the Latin term "saeculum" originally referred to a generation or age, eventually coming to represent worldly concerns distinct from the divine. Yet Smith argues that this separation is far more complex than typically understood.

Through careful historical analysis, the author demonstrates that secularism did not emerge in opposition to Christianity but rather grew from within it. This insight transforms our understanding of the ongoing tensions between religious and secular worldviews, particularly in international relations where radical Islam encounters Western ideology.

For readers seeking to understand the spiritual underpinnings of modern culture, Smith offers a fresh perspective on how religious heritage continues to shape supposedly secular societies. His work suggests that recognizing these hidden connections may be essential for navigating contemporary conflicts and understanding the true nature of Western civilization.

This thought-provoking examination invites readers to reconsider the relationship between faith and reason, tradition and progress, in our complex modern world.