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The word secular has been the basis for many scientific discussions. Generally this term is considered as the opposite of theocratic. This definition
of secular is based on a conflict-theory, considering both terms as separate, incompatible units, being the cause for the rise of various conflicts.
Dr. Barlingay, a profound and valued member of the Hindu world of thought, treats in his article the phenomenon secularisation in a very personal and
well thought-out way, revealing aspects, transgressing the common definitions remarkably.
To him, the conflict between secular and theocratic does not really exist. He believes, that both terms have the same origin and the same nature. They
are equal elements of the human mind, being mutually dependent and arising out of the natural human endeavour to explain and to understand natural phenomena. To Barlingay, it is human nature, to fall back upon
supernatural explanations, as soon as the rational approach does not bring any satisfying solutions. The point is, that rational as well as supernatural explanations have the same source - the human mind. It is the
place, where the terms secular and theocratic come into existence. In that sense, conflict, or difference, would be only an artificial creation of the human mind.
Barlingay´s thoughts and his way to reveal them is indeed remarkable. He does not limit his article on the simple presentation of definitions
and theoretical explanations. Much more he approaches this very complex subject from different perspectives, revealing an amazing profundity. First he explains the meaning and the development of the word secular in
different cultural contexts, turning his attention then towards the analysis of its nature and possible origin. He achieves, to trace the reader back to the very roots of human culture and civilization, revealing
one more time the process of evolution, the origin of faith, the motivations and intentions of mankind and demonstrating the process, that lead man to separate god and the world and to start thinking in secular and
theocratic categories.
Once more, Barlingay provides us with the realization of one of the predominant conflicts of our world - isolation, separation and the resistance of
men to think and act in global, universal terms and his resulting rootlessness and loneliness in the world.
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back to Barlingay's "Religion, Culture and the process of Secularisation"
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