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Year 10 - Religious education

Secularism: a desirable way of life?

Identity: how does religion or belief look now and what might the future bring?

Unit Summary

In this unit pupils will look in more depth at trends emerging from the census and other data. They will examine the work of Linda Woodhead and her assertion that society is increasingly constructed around values. They will consider cultural religion and the concept of secularism.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to define secularism and describe advantages and disadvantages of secularism.

Key Notes

  • In a secular society, religion and belief do not impact how society is run.
  • The principle is that everybody is equal and free to believe or not believe as they wish.
  • Secularism is not opposed to religion, though many secularists are atheists.
  • Secularists do not think there should be allowances or distinctions made based on religion.
  • This could be a contradiction in practice, as freedom of religion implies that religious needs are able to be met.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • atheist: someone who does not believe in God or any gods
  • freedom of religion: the right to practise a religion, change religion, or have no religion without interference
  • pluralism: the belief that many different religions, beliefs, and ways of life can coexist equally in one society
  • secularism: the principle that religion and belief should not influence how society or government is run

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • That only atheists support secularism.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the lesson in two key points.

In a secular society, religion and belief do not impact how society is run. The principle is that everybody is equal and free to believe or not believe as they wish.

2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'atheist'

someone who does not believe in God or any gods.

3. Correct this common mistake.

Mistake: That only atheists support secularism. Correction: Many religious people support secularism as it allows for all religions to be treated equally within a state.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 10 Religious education guide library.