Question

In 150-200 words, give your opinion as to why secularism began and how it influenced the political landscape during the Renaissance.

Answer 1

Secularism was a social movement that separates religion from the ordinary life in the middle age. Secularism rejects religious ideas that once dominated the European medieval times, such as the focus on God in everything, human condemnation, and permanent praying or meditation.  

Secularism initiated as a confrontation or reaction to religious ideas in the medieval times in Europe. People realized that the human being was very important and had values that should be respected by the monarchies. This made possible a better recognition of human achievements in culture and arts.  

The influence that secularism had on the Renaissance over politics can be found in the works of Niccolo Machiavelli. The ideas he expressed in “The Prince” were of the utmost influence in the Renaissance and it still is a very influential book in today’s politics.  

Thomas Hobbes and John Locke also were part of political ideas during the Renaissance. Hobbes, with his theory of Social Contract, and Locke with his ideas in the Two Treatises of Government.