Secularization: some historical perspectives

Résumé

This paper argues that "secularization" may not be as problematic for the future of Chrisyanity (or religion in general) as some fear. In the first place, it must be characterized as modern "Christian" problem that emerged only after the cooption of Christianity by the Roman Empire (following the "Constantinian revolution") made "union of church and state" gradually become the pattern for Christian states in Europe. Our attempt here is to discuss in some detail the distinctive features of this long historical process and its outcome in contemporary societies.