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Secularism Quotes

This page collects secularism quotes that compare different national approaches, from India's framing of secularism as 'justice to all, appeasement to none' to French laicite and its more antagonistic relationship with religion. One line notes secularism is the most misused word in the country, pointing to how contested the term remains. Together the quotes show secularism as a live political and cultural debate.

These secularism quotes compare national approaches to faith and state, a theme echoed in Challenge. Both explore contested ideas that shape society.

French laicite is probably aggressive and antagonistic to the religion, but there are other models of secularism in the world where there could be reconciliation between religion and secularism.

Quotes by Rashid al-Ghannushi

'Secularism' is the most misused word in the country. Its misuse should come to an end.

Quotes by Rajnath Singh

The fact remains that secularism is inherent in the Indian system, in the Indian ethos and culture. India cannot but be secular.

Quotes by Pranab Mukherjee

Anyone leaving the Congress' camp and joining - or even indirectly praising - the BJP-led NDA coalition immediately stands the risk of losing this Congress-issued certificate of secularism. It is a travesty!

Quotes by Piyush Goyal

Aggressive Quotes

For me, my secularism is, India first. I say, the philosophy of my party is 'Justice to all. Appeasement to none.' This is our secularism.

Quotes by Narendra Modi

We have to reappropriate the concept of laicite (secularism) so we can explain to our young pupils that whatever their faith, they belong to this idea, and they're not excluded. Secularism is not something against them; it protects them.

Quotes by Najat Vallaud-Belkacem

It's no secret that in New York during the last 30 years there has been a tragic exodus from the churches into materialism, secularism and humanism.

Quotes by Billy Graham

Let no one challenge India's secularism.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Indian secularism described in these quotes?
One quote frames it as 'justice to all, appeasement to none,' with India placed first, describing this as the guiding philosophy of a political party. This offers a specific, stated definition rather than a vague concept. It connects to broader identity themes.
What is French laicite and how does it compare to other models?
Laicite is described as a form of secularism that can be aggressive and antagonistic toward religion, contrasted with other global models that seek reconciliation between religion and secular governance. This comparison highlights that secularism is not applied uniformly. It connects to Aggressive and Antagonistic.
Why is secularism called a misused word?
One quote states that secularism is the most misused word in the country and that its misuse should come to an end, suggesting confusion or manipulation around the term's meaning. This reflects ongoing debate about how the concept is applied. It underscores the political weight the word carries.
How is secularism explained to young students in one quote?
It describes reappropriating the concept of laicite to explain that regardless of faith, students belong to a shared national idea and are not excluded. This treats secularism as an inclusive educational value. It connects to Challenge around navigating difference.
What is the shared theme across these secularism quotes?
Each quote treats secularism as a contested but important framework for balancing religion and governance, with different countries applying it differently. The comparisons between India and France highlight this variation. Together they show secularism as a live, evolving debate.

For more on tension between belief systems, see Aggressive and Antagonistic, which touch on conflict over ideology.