RELIGION AND SECULAR VALUES

Abstract

A religion embodies a system of values. Whether values can be distinguished as religious and secular is a moot question which is being discussed by the growing humanistic trend in philosophy. As the secularization process gathers momentum, the traditional distinction between "sacred" and "profane" is gradually disappearing. Yet the validity of the claims of religions as regards completeness and totality of the eternal essences they hold, and the universal aspect of their representations, seem to be issues indicative of non-religious or secular values. Moreover, the radical changes that occur from time to time in our political, economic, social, and cultural life in turn affect our value system call into question the meaning and usefulness of our traditional and religious values.