Laicism

Laicism is a religious-political theory that seeks to eliminate God from society, establishing an ethical system alien to God. In its religious aspect, it is a practical atheism imposed on society through political measures.

Laicism adopts the stance of theoretical indifference. But in practice it demands acting as if God did not exist. It can also be said that laicism is a social atheism because it aims to organize a society without God (atheist means without God).

To establish its approaches, laicism is based on two correct but misunderstood ideas: the separation of Church and State, and religious freedom.

Yes; everyone must have freedom to practice the religion they wish, within the limits of the common good. A religion (or an atheism) must not be imposed.

It depends on how this is interpreted. Above all it depends on what is meant by religion.

• If by that separation it is expressed that priests are not politicians, and rulers are not bishops, then the phrase is correct. Each one governs in their own domain.
• If by those words it is stated that a religion should not be required of all, but that consciences must be respected, then the separation is apt. (For this reason, laicism must not be imposed on all.)
• If by religion is meant God, acts of worship or spiritual teachings, then it is not good to separate society from God.
• If by this separation enmity is expressed, it is also not fitting, since the ideal is that Churches and States each work in their own domain while helping each other to achieve the good of citizens.

(A question from Chile.) The secularity of the State is different from laicism. Secularity proposes that the State should not be tied to a particular religion but should respect religious freedom. It holds that there should be an adequate separation between Church and State and not harm citizens for religious reasons. This is correct. In contrast, in laicism, the State promotes atheism by opting for the atheist religion.

Laicism wishes to establish several approaches:

• For laicism, the State must rest on a common foundation without God. Laicism demands a confessionally atheist State. — However, atheism is a religious stance that must not be imposed either.
• Laicism attempts to relegate religion to the private sphere, prohibiting public expressions of faith. — However, a coherent person lives according to their beliefs both in private and in social life. The believer must not be forced to behave as an atheist. (Nor must the atheist be forced to act as a religious person.)
• Laicism and relativism usually go together, since both defend religious indifferentism. — There are various religions, but this does not mean they are false, or that it is indifferent to choose one. For example, there may be various theories about a historical event, but only one event actually took place. One must seek the true religion.

Laicism tries to make the ethical basis of the State atheism, but this is a stance that must not be compulsory either. So, what is common to all men? Precisely the fact of being men. For this reason, the ethical rules of the State must be based on what is proper to human nature, in what is called the natural law. (Atheism is the least natural of religious stances.) In other words: the basis is in the dignity of the human person.

The best known document that contains a summary of natural law is the Ten Commandments. In their origin they are Judeo-Christian formulations, but they have now become the heritage of humanity.

Laicism has no moral rules or commandments, except to set God aside above all things. — When God is removed, it is difficult to maintain rules of conduct. You may kill and steal as long as you are not caught. Use sex as you please. Lie whenever it suits you. For this reason, in societies where laicism spreads, crime and corruption increase.

We are speaking of laicism in general. On the other hand, there are particular cases of atheist people who behave fairly well — except toward God, logically.