The idea of secular is often used in opposition to religious.
Secular is a term that comes from the Latin word seculāris . The first meaning of the concept mentioned in the dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy ( RAE ) associates it with the adjective secular : that which is linked to the state or habits of the century or that lacks clerical orders.
It should be noted that the idea of century can be associated with civil life , as opposed to the religious context . That is why it is said that a religious person is secular when he does not reside in cloister.
The secular as opposed to the religious
By extension, it is common for the secular to be opposed to the religious . A man who decides to abandon the priesthood will go from the plane of religiosity to leading a secular existence. In this way, the person in question will no longer be tied to the rules of the priesthood: he will not have the obligation to respect celibacy, he will be able to marry, etc.
Secularization is often used to refer to the loss of power of the Catholic Church or another religious institution in a State or nation. The independence of a government from ecclesiastical power is a reflection of its secularization: decisions are not made by bishops or other religious authorities, but by rulers who direct civil society.
A monk who leaves his habits begins to have a secular life.
a type of music
In addition to all of the above, we cannot ignore the existence of what is known as secular music. The same, which is always presented in contrast to sacred music, is established as music that is composed to be sung and performed outside religious settings. Taking this characteristic into account we find the fact that many genres can be classified as secular music, such as chamber music, military music, zarzuela, opera, tango...
It is considered not only that the difference between these two types of music was established in the Early Middle Ages, specifically in the 9th century, but also that secular music was shaped to contrast with Gregorian chants, for example, and to entertain. to the people in the romances carried out by the minstrels.
Other uses of the term secular
Secular ethics are values that are based on reason, logic and other human faculties, as opposed to values that derive from the revelations and commands of a divinity.
We also speak of secular religion with reference to those doctrines that lack spiritual elements but have characteristics similar to those of religions .
Historically, it is necessary to establish the existence of what were called Secular Games . They developed in Ancient Rome and were religious celebrations, which lasted three days and three nights, in which not only theater performances took place but also sacrifices in honor of the gods. The sacrifices were carried out with animals such as pigs, lambs, goats or bulls. And, in addition, special cakes such as libum are also prepared.
The Palatine Hill or the Capitoline Hill were some of the spaces that served as settings for these aforementioned games, which stopped being held when Emperor Constantine I established them.