Secular vs. Non-Secular: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Published on November 13, 2023
Secular pertains to non-religious matters, often emphasizing the separation of church and state, while Non-Secular is religious or spiritual in nature.
Key Differences
Secular and Non-Secular are terms often used to distinguish between what is religious and what isn't. Secular pertains to matters that aren't connected to religious or spiritual concerns. In other words, it refers to worldly matters as opposed to the divine or the ecclesiastical. Non-Secular, on the contrary, directly relates to the religious or spiritual.
Secular can often be seen in contexts that emphasize the separation of church and state. Many democracies around the world strive for a Secular governance system, ensuring that religious beliefs don't influence political decisions. Non-Secular governance, on the other hand, would incorporate religious beliefs or principles into its ruling, guiding policies, and laws.
In daily life, Secular activities are those that don't involve religious practices or rituals. For instance, attending a public school that doesn't teach religious doctrine would be considered a Secular education. A Non-Secular education would integrate religious teachings or might even be based in a religious institution.
When discussing art, music, or literature, Secular works focus on themes that aren't religious. A song about love, life, or nature can be termed Secular. Non-Secular works, however, would delve into religious themes, portraying stories from sacred texts or expressing spirituality.
Culture and celebrations can also be categorized as Secular or Non-Secular. For instance, national holidays are often Secular, celebrating the country's history or significant events. Religious festivals or observances, such as Easter or Ramadan, are Non-Secular, marking important dates in religious calendars.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
Pertaining to non-religious matters
Relating to religious or spiritual concerns
Governance
Emphasizes separation of church and state
Incorporates religious beliefs in governance
Examples in Education
Public schools without religious teachings
Religious schools with spiritual curriculum
Representation in Art
Focuses on non-religious themes
Portrays religious or spiritual themes
Celebrations
National holidays, non-religious festivals
Religious festivals, spiritual observances
ADVERTISEMENT
Secular and Non-Secular Definitions
Secular
Independent of religious influences.
Secular music spans a wide range of genres and topics.
Non-Secular
Emphasizing spiritual over the temporal.
The festival had Non-Secular significance, marking an important religious date.
Secular
Pertaining to the temporal world.
The Secular world often contrasts with the spiritual realm.
Non-Secular
Of or relating to the church.
Non-Secular authorities played significant roles in medieval Europe.
Secular
Worldly rather than spiritual.
Their concerns were mostly Secular, focusing on immediate needs.
Non-Secular
Not separate from religious teachings or practices.
Non-Secular schools include religious studies in their curriculum.
Secular
Worldly rather than spiritual
The secular affairs of the parish.
Non-Secular
Spiritual as opposed to worldly.
The sermon discussed Non-Secular virtues essential for salvation.
Secular
Not relating to religion or to a religious body; nonreligious
Secular music.
Non-Secular
Relating to religious or spiritual matters.
The church conducted Non-Secular ceremonies for its congregation.
Secular
Not bound by the full monastic rule of a religious order. Used of clergy.
Secular
Relating to or advocating secularism.
Secular
Occurring or observed once in an age or century, as games in ancient Rome.
Secular
Lasting or persisting for a long time
A secular bear market.
Secular
(Astronomy) Of or relating to characteristics of astronomical phenomena that change slowly over time.
Secular
A member of the secular clergy.
Secular
A layperson.
Secular
Not specifically religious; lay or civil, as opposed to clerical.
Secular
Temporal; worldly, or otherwise not based on something timeless.
Secular
(Christianity) Not bound by the vows of a monastic order.
Secular clergy in Catholicism
Secular
Happening once in an age or century.
The secular games of ancient Rome were held to mark the end of a saeculum and the beginning of the next.
Secular
Continuing over a long period of time, long-term.
The long-term growth in population and income accounts for most secular trends in economic phenomena.
On a secular basis
Secular
(literary) Centuries-old, ancient.
Secular
Relating to long-term non-periodic irregularities, especially in planetary motion or magnetic field.
Secular
(atomic physics) Unperturbed over time.
Secular
A secular ecclesiastic, or one not bound by monastic rules.
Secular
A church official whose functions are confined to the vocal department of the choir.
Secular
A layman, as distinguished from a clergyman.
Secular
Coming or observed once in an age or a century.
The secular year was kept but once a century.
Secular
Pertaining to an age, or the progress of ages, or to a long period of time; accomplished in a long progress of time; as, secular inequality; the secular refrigeration of the globe.
Secular
Of or pertaining to this present world, or to things not spiritual or holy; relating to temporal as distinguished from eternal interests; not immediately or primarily respecting the soul, but the body; worldly.
New foes arise,Threatening to bind our souls with secular chains.
Secular
Not regular; not bound by monastic vows or rules; not confined to a monastery, or subject to the rules of a religious community; as, a secular priest.
He tried to enforce a stricter discipline and greater regard for morals, both in the religious orders and the secular clergy.
Secular
Belonging to the laity; lay; not clerical.
I speak of folk in secular estate.
Secular
A secular ecclesiastic, or one not bound by monastic rules.
Secular
A church official whose functions are confined to the vocal department of the choir.
Secular
A layman, as distinguished from a clergyman.
Secular
Concerning those not members of the clergy;
Set his collar in laic rather than clerical position
The lay ministry
The choir sings both sacred and secular music
Secular
Not connected with religious matters.
The government operates on Secular principles, separate from religious organizations.
Secular
Not belonging to a religious order.
He chose a Secular lifestyle, devoid of monastic practices.
FAQs
Are Secular beliefs atheistic?
Not necessarily. Secularism advocates for separation of religion and state but doesn't comment on personal beliefs.
What's an example of a Non-Secular institution?
A religious school or a church is a Non-Secular institution.
Is Non-Secular the same as religious?
Yes, Non-Secular pertains to religious or spiritual matters.
What's a Secular celebration?
Independence Day or New Year's Eve are examples of Secular celebrations.
What does Secular mean?
Secular refers to matters not connected to religious or spiritual concerns.
Why is Secularism important in governance?
Secularism ensures equal treatment for all, regardless of religious beliefs.
How does Secularism impact education?
Secular education ensures students learn without religious biases.
Can a country be both Secular and religious?
A country can have a predominant religion but maintain a Secular governance system.
Are there Non-Secular laws?
Yes, some laws can be based on religious principles.
Can Non-Secular music be popular?
Yes, gospel or qawwali are examples of popular Non-Secular music genres.
Is a Secular society devoid of religion?
No, a Secular society allows freedom of religion but keeps it separate from governance.
Is Secularism anti-religion?
No, it advocates for the separation of religion from state affairs.
Can a person be both Secular and spiritual?
Absolutely. One can support Secularism in public affairs but maintain personal spiritual beliefs.
Do Secular societies promote atheism?
No, they promote freedom of belief without state interference.
What's the significance of a Secular constitution?
It guarantees equal rights to all citizens, irrespective of their religious beliefs.
Are Christmas and Easter Non-Secular?
Originally, yes, but many celebrate them in a Secular manner too.
Why might some prefer Non-Secular education?
They may want teachings aligned with their religious beliefs.
Can Secular art discuss spirituality?
Yes, Secular art can explore various themes, including spiritual ones without religious context.
Why are Non-Secular practices essential for some?
They offer spiritual guidance and connection to a higher power.
Can Non-Secular beliefs influence politics?
Yes, in some countries, religious beliefs significantly impact political decisions.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
