Religion and Secularism: A Critical Examination of Their Interplay in Modernity.

This study focuses on the evolving relationship between religion and secularism, particularly critiquing the traditional secularization thesis that equates modernization with the inevitable decline of religion. It highlights the persistence and public significance of religious communities in contemporary pluralistic societies, introducing the concept of the "post-secular society," which acknowledges religion's ongoing influence alongside secularism. The research examines secularism's historical roots, its normative commitment to state neutrality, and critiques exclusivist secularism for marginalizing religious perspectives in public discourse. Drawing on thinkers like Jürgen Habermas, Charles Taylor, and William Connolly, the study advocates for a more inclusive understanding of secularism that accommodates religious pluralism and challenges the assumption that secular reason alone can provide a universal moral framework. It also addresses contemporary global challenges to secularism posed by rising religious assertiveness and diversity.