It is not just that secularists happen to reject and…
““It is not just that secularists happen to reject and oppose religion; it's that there is nothing more to their creed than rejecting and opposing religion. . . . The fact is that secularists are "for" reason and science only to the extent that they don't lead to religious conclusions; they celebrate free choice only insofar as one chooses against traditional or religiously oriented morality; and they are for democracy and toleration only to the extent that these might lead to a less religiously oriented social and political order.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Secularists are defined primarily by what they reject—religion—rather than a positive creed, supporting reason only when it opposes religious views and endorsing democracy only if it reduces religious influence.
In simple terms: Secularists reject religion, lacking a positive creed.
Key Takeaway
Seek constructive values beyond mere opposition.
Themes
secularism
religion
reason
democracy
morality
Mood
critical
thoughtful
skeptical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- policy debate
- academic discussion
- public speaking
- community organizing
Key Concepts
philosophy
political theory
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- What positive principles could secularism embrace?
- How can reason be valued beyond anti‑religious stance?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on opposition can limit constructive discourse.