The hottest Secularism Substack posts right now

Many people are feeling drawn back to religion after a period of being more secular. It's like there’s a little spark in the younger generations wanting to explore faith again.
High-profile figures are converting to religion, suggesting a trend where even the educated elite are rethinking their beliefs. This shows that curiosity about spirituality is growing, even among the skeptics.
However, there’s a worry about why people are turning to religion. It's important to think about the reasons behind this interest in faith to ensure it’s meaningful and genuine.

Reason and individualism are important, but they need a balance with tradition and community. Without this balance, societies may struggle to maintain cohesion.
The rise of moral relativism challenges the foundations of secular morality, making it hard to find common ground in society. People may disagree on values and laws without shared beliefs.
Liberal democratic values are under threat as moral arguments lack a strong foundation. This may lead to laws that rely more on force than on a shared understanding of right and wrong.

The trend of declining religious affiliation is noticeable, with Christianity on the decline while irreligiosity is on the rise in Western societies.
A shift in perspectives is observed, with some former atheists converting to Christianity due to the moral void left by secularism.
The atheist community, including New Atheists, is facing challenges and division, with some aligning with social justice movements and others critiquing them.

The author discusses their political development over the years, highlighting a consistent core belief in free market fundamentalism and a move towards favoring globalism and open societies.
The journey to the author's current political stance is divided into four eras, revealing shifts towards universalism, epistemological humility, pro-democracy, and a dislike for economic and cultural central planning.
The author reflects on their teenage self, discussing how their early exposure to political entertainment and the conflict between religious Christians and secularists shaped their initial political beliefs.

Apocalyptic beliefs are not just based on religious views, but also on secular scientific perspectives.
Secular intellectuals interpret extreme events as consequences from past actions and opportunities for redemption.
The future of climate policy may see a struggle between practicality and the 'New Apocalypticism.'

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George Grant believes that the idea of limits is tied to the idea of God, meaning there are moral boundaries we should not cross. This suggests that some things are simply wrong, regardless of our opinions.
The political legitimacy in society has shifted since divine authority was lost, making people look for new sources of legitimacy. This includes reliance on science and the founders of nations.
It's unclear if Grant's view of God is unique to Christianity or if he could see value in other religions like Islam or Hinduism. He seems to focus more on the concept of a higher limit than on specific religious practices.

Atheism is not a belief system, it is a lack of belief in God.
Enlightenment humanism, not atheism, drives moral progress through reason and science.
The basis for morality and values can be universal and grounded in humanistic principles, regardless of religious beliefs.

France has enacted laws banning Muslim girls from wearing abayas, forcing them to choose between religious observance and education.
French Islamophobia disproportionately targets Muslim girls and women, reflecting fears of 'replacement' in the country.
The policing of Muslim women's bodies in France extends to school checkpoints, with a lack of support from western feminists and women's organizations.

Sacredness is a complex aspect of human life recognized by both social science and religion.
Secularism and liberalism have a nuanced relationship with the concept of the sacred.
The modern world faces challenges in defining and delimiting the sacred, leading to ambiguity and conflicts.

Nigeria has a complex history of religious influences, with events like the Fulani Jihād and Church missions carving out geographical and religious frontiers.
The secular status of Nigeria has evolved over time, with the 1979 and 1999 Constitutions playing significant roles in defining the relationship between religion and the state.
Opinions on Nigeria's secular status vary, with some highlighting the multi-religious nature of the country and pointing out the complexities of defining Nigeria as strictly secular.