Changes

The term '''secular''' is generally used to mean "worldly, as differentiated from ecclesiastical."  The term has changed meaning dramatically over time.  Its original definition preserved its Latin meaning - "of an age" - as evinced in the [[Secular Games]], or the [[Carmen Secularae]] ("Song of the Augustan Age") by Horace.

The term '''secular''' is generally used to mean "worldly, as differentiated from ecclesiastical."  The term has changed meaning dramatically over time.  Its original definition preserved its Latin meaning - "of an age" - as evinced in the [[Secular Games]], or the [[Carmen Secularae]] ("Song of the Augustan Age") by Horace.

The term may be a euphemism used by [[atheists]], since atheism generally has negative associations in the [[United States]].

The term may be a euphemism used by [[atheists]], since atheism generally has negative associations in the [[United States]]. Atheism actually isn't secular (common mistake) because in a secular society everyone is considered to be legally equal no matter what they believe in or don't believe in. Atheism is a religious point of view that God(s) do not exist and is therefore not all inclusive.

The United States was founded as a secular [[republic]], where religious freedom is affirmed in the Constitution and where no special religion is established. However, 'secular' here is ''not'' a synonym for 'atheistic'.

The United States was founded as a secular [[republic]], where religious freedom is affirmed in the Constitution and where no special religion is established. However, 'secular' here is ''not'' a synonym for 'atheistic' as secular society includes both Atheists and believers.

==Further reading==

==Further reading==