How is the term 'secular' best defined?

The term 'secular' is best defined as concerned with worldly rather than spiritual matters. This definition highlights the distinction between secular concerns, which encompass everyday life, politics, and social issues, and spiritual or religious matters, which pertain to beliefs and practices surrounding divinity or the supernatural. In a secular context, individuals, organizations, or governments operate without religious influence, focusing on human affairs and the material world.

Understanding this definition is essential in various historical contexts, particularly in discussions about the separation between religion and state, the rise of secularism during the Enlightenment, and its implications for modern society. By recognizing that secularism prioritizes worldly issues over spiritual ones, one can better grasp various developments in philosophy, politics, and culture throughout history.