Rethinking Secularization: The Religion-Secular Binary, Christianity, and the Politics of Exclusion

Abstract

Recent philosophers of secularization have given religion a more central place in their thinking about secular modernity and liberal democracy. This article argues that such theories have overlooked an important dimension of the contemporary social and political landscape, namely how the framework of separating ‘religious’ and ‘secular’ spheres can paradoxically affirm the hegemonic position of Christianity and marginalize non-Christian minorities. Drawing on the work of Gil Anidjar, the article instead develops a critical narrative of secularization which points to continuations of Christian hegemony in the ‘secular’ realm, despite and through the religion-secular binary. Bringing this to the forefront is crucial for understanding how secularism can be compatible with the rise in Christian nationalist politics in Europe and North America, as well as the marginalization of racial and religious minorities. Moreover, the article argues, rethinking secularization raises important new questions for normative theory about religion and politics.