Sekularizatsiya

Sekularizatsiya, a term of German origin, broadly refers to the process by which religion loses social and cultural significance. It encompasses a decline in the influence of religious institutions in public life, a decrease in the importance of religious beliefs and practices for individuals, and a shift from religious to secular explanations for phenomena. Historically, sekularizatsiya is often associated with the rise of Enlightenment ideals, scientific advancements, and the development of modern nation-states, which gradually diminished the direct authority of religious bodies in governance and social organization.

The concept of sekularizatsiya is multifaceted and its manifestation varies across different societies and historical periods. It can involve the transfer of church property to state control, the secularization of education systems, and the increasing acceptance of non-religious or pluralistic worldviews. While some scholars view sekularizatsiya as an inevitable outcome of modernization, others emphasize that religion can adapt and persist in new forms, or that its influence may re-emerge in different ways. The debate continues regarding whether sekularizatsiya represents a complete absence of religion or a transformation of its role and expression in contemporary life. The term is also used in specific contexts, such as the confiscation of church lands by secular authorities.