Dr. Herb Silverman on American Secularism
Author(s): Scott Douglas Jacobsen
Publication (Outlet/Website): A Further Inquiry
Publication Date (yyyy/mm/dd): 2024/11/05
This is part of a series of interviews with prominent humanists by Canadian journalist Scott Douglas Jacobsen. He spoke with Dr. Herb Silverman, a prominent humanist, secular advocate, and Humanist magazine columnist.
Scott Douglas Jacobsen: How has the separation of religion and government influenced the role of religion in 2024 American electoral politics?
Dr. Herb Silverman: Actually, it seems just the opposite — this year some religious people, mainly evangelical Christians, are trying to influence that separation. Some religious people think religion and government should not be separate. They believe the United States was founded as a Christian country and should be governed according to Christian beliefs. Not true! Our country was founded as a secular democracy in part because the founders saw what happened in Europe, with religious wars among countries where church and state were not separate. The first three words of the U.S. Constitution are “We the people,” not “Thou the deity.”
Jacobsen: What impact has the rise of secularism in the U.S. electorate had on federal political strategies?
Silverman: Some Christians erroneously believe we should go back to our roots when America was great as a Christian country — which we never were. When federal policies are influenced by religion, secularists fight back. One obvious example is the abortion controversy, with laws in many states prohibiting abortion now based specifically on religious beliefs. Secularists say it is every woman’s right to control her own body, and they view abortion based on a woman’s individual needs and beliefs, religious or not.
Jacobsen: How do secular voters' priorities compare to religious voters’ in 2024?
Silverman: Of course, we are alarmed at the possibility of even more religious influence in government if Trump wins the presidency. Take a look at Project 2025 for matters to be alarmed about. Further, many women (and some male) voters have been strongly influenced by the current abortion bans, and fear even more religious interference with contraception and IVF situations if candidate Trump wins. Secular voters say we should be governed by secular priorities, consistent with our U.S. Constitution. I want to emphasize that I don’t think all religions are bad — many religious people favour the same secular values, like doing good works, as we secularists do. Religious people are free to vote for a candidate who has what they view as the right religious views, but that is an individual choice.
Jacobsen: How has the growing secular demographic in the U.S. influenced political discourse?
Silverman: In a positive way. We are consistently gaining in numbers, and thus more of a voice in the country, and people can no longer ignore or marginalize us. We are more comfortable speaking out in favour of the separation of religion and government.
Jacobsen: What about the younger voters who are much more secular in philosophy than older ones?
Silverman: Their future looks very good. The “Nones,” people with no religious preference, is our fastest-growing demographic. This is especially true among younger people. Unfortunately, too many Nones do not vote. We need to convince them that voting is important, especially in the upcoming election. I doubt that many Nones would vote for Trump.
Jacobsen: How do court rulings on the Establishment Clause and Free Exercise Clause shape electoral laws?
Silverman: The Constitution should remain our governing body, and any rulings against IT will be challenged up to the US Supreme Court. Whether we will win or not, given the current Court members, I cannot predict.
Jacobsen: What role has secularism played in the political mobilization of non-religious advocacy groups, and how effective are they in influencing election outcomes at the state and national levels?
Silverman: Secularists have become increasingly open and energized, especially since the prohibition of abortion in so many states. Also, the major secular organizations are challenging religious interference in secular matters throughout the country. Publicizing these legal infractions keeps the public informed of creeping religious interference in secular matters. Hopefully, the public will vote with that in mind.
Jacobsen: How does the intersection of secularism and multiculturalism in American elections shape the political engagement of religious minorities?
Silverman: Religious minorities mostly fear Trump because of his lies about immigrants and opposition to all those who are not Christian, even though Trump seems to not follow any Christian principles.
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