Donald Eugene Smith Secular States Summary

This reading, written by Donald Eugene Smith, communicates his perspective on what being a secular state means, and what a secular state should encompass. Smith’s key idea is that a secular state includes the individual, the state and religion, and that these three factors have interconnected relationships with one another. However, in their relationships it is vital, or ideal, that there is exclusion of the third factor in each relationship. For example, Smith states that in the relationship between religion and the individual, it is vital that there is no interference from the state, thus ensuring freedom of religion.
In addition, Smith states the three key principles that he believes should result from the relationships between religion,