Liberalism vs Secularism
Liberalism is a broad political tradition that puts individual freedom, equal rights, constitutional government and the consent of the governed at the center of politics.
- Individuals have equal basic rights and freedoms.
- Government should be limited by a constitution and accountable to voters.
- Freedom of speech, assembly, conscience and religion must be protected.
Secularism is the principle that religion and government should be separate, so that the state neither enforces nor favors a religion and law rests on nonreligious grounds.
- Religious and political authority should be separate.
- The state should not establish, fund or favor any religion.
- Citizens have equal rights regardless of religion or belief.
- Liberalism: petals and stars
- Secularism: dashed outline
★ Where they differ most
- Religion40 points apart
Liberalism: Secular (moderate). Secularism: Secular (strong).
- Ownership30 points apart
Liberalism: Private (mild). Secularism: Balanced.
- Markets30 points apart
Liberalism: Free (mild). Secularism: Balanced.
- Trade30 points apart
Liberalism: Global (moderate). Secularism: Global (mild).
★ Where they are closest
- Technology · 0 apart
- Morality · 5 apart
- Welfare · 5 apart
Axis by axis
Secularism
Economy
Equality / Markets- OwnershipMild: Private35%65%PublicPrivate
- MarketsMild: Free35%65%PlannedFree
- WelfareBalanced50%50%SharedSelf-reliant
State and liberty
Liberty / Authority- AuthorityModerate: Democratic80%20%DemocraticStrong leader
- SecurityModerate: Liberty70%30%LibertyOrder
- StructureMild: Local55%45%LocalCentral
Society
Progress / Tradition- MoralityModerate: Progressive70%30%ProgressiveTraditional
- ReligionModerate: Secular80%20%SecularReligious
- TechnologyMild: Embrace65%35%EmbraceCaution
- CultureModerate: Multicultural68%32%MulticulturalNational identity
World
Global / Nation- TradeModerate: Global75%25%GlobalProtected
- Foreign policyModerate: Cooperation70%30%CooperationStrength
★ 12 Axes Political Test ★
How close are you to Liberalism or Secularism?
Answer plain statements on 12 axes and see your match with Liberalism or Secularism and every other profile on the site, axis by axis.
FAQ
Liberalism vs Secularism
What is the difference between Liberalism and Secularism?
Liberalism is a broad political tradition that puts individual freedom, equal rights, constitutional government and the consent of the governed at the center of politics. Secularism is the principle that religion and government should be separate, so that the state neither enforces nor favors a religion and law rests on nonreligious grounds. On the 12 axes they differ most on religion, ownership, markets.
What do Liberalism and Secularism have in common?
Their positions are closest on technology, morality, welfare. Overall their profiles are a 89% match on the 12 axes used by the 12 Axes Political Test.
Am I closer to Liberalism or Secularism?
Take the 12 Axes Political Test. Your result shows your match with both, and with every other ideology on the site, axis by axis.