“Sectarian” and “secular” are words that both deal with religious concepts but in very different ways. Understanding the distinction between these two terms will help you apply them correctly when discussing religion and society.
Sectarian
Definition:
“Sectarian” refers to something related to sects or specific religious groups. It is often used to describe division, discrimination, or devotion that is focused on a particular religious faction or denomination.
Examples:
His message was a sectarian appeal to help others get funding for their religious community.
Sectarian conflicts between different religious groups have caused tension in the region for years.
The speech was criticized for its sectarian tone, which seemed to favor one religious group over others.
Secular
Definition:
“Secular” refers to things that are not connected to any religion. It describes activities, institutions, or attitudes that are neutral toward religion and operate independently of religious influence.
Examples:
Although identified as a secular charity, it will receive some donations from the church.
The government promotes secular education, ensuring that no religious doctrine is taught in public schools.
Many countries have secular laws, meaning their legal systems are not based on any particular religion.
“Sectarian” relates to specific religious groups and often implies division or partisanship within religious communities. In contrast, “secular” refers to things that are unrelated to religion, maintaining a neutral or independent stance. By recognizing these differences, you can accurately use each term in the proper context.
