What does the term secular mean?

The term secular refers to something that is concerned with worldly matters rather than religious or spiritual ones. It emphasizes a perspective that prioritizes a non-religious viewpoint or context, often focused on the material world and human experiences without reference to the divine or sacred.

In historical contexts, the concept of secularism has played a significant role in social and political developments, particularly during periods where there was a clear distinction between religious authority and state governance. For example, in the Enlightenment era, secular ideologies laid the groundwork for modern democratic governments by advocating for reason and individual rights independent of religious influence.

The other options connote a religious or governmental connection, which does not align with the definition of secular. Secularism promotes a separation of church and state and prioritizes secular ethics and values in public life. This is what distinguishes it from the other definitions provided in the choices.