Introduction to Secularism Secularism is a notion that seeks to disentangle political and social institutions from religious beliefs. Within a secular society, the policies of the state are not biassed towards any one religious belief system. Instead, all religions are treated equally and such a state maintains a neutral position on spiritual issues. Secularism is essential in fostering equality, tolerance, and harmony among people of different communities. This principle, in particular, is of great significance in multi-ethnic countries, where several religions exist in the same territory. Read about ‘Understanding Secularism : Meaning, Importance and Impact on Society’. In this post, we will look at the concept of secularism, its origins, and the evolution of secularism in different societies. But first, let’s summarise secularism in a few basic conceptions, so that it does not become a broadly working term.