The positive aspects of secularization in history

Abstract

Introduction to the history of “secularization” concept and, in connection with, the concept of “world”. It is underlined the character historical and therefore “secular” of everything and, consequently, of every human being. In this sense, secularization has meant –in history– recognition of reality. Another thing is that the concept of “secularization” was not born that way, but as a result of Reform and, specifically, of the laicization of Church property accepted in Westphalia. In the second part, the author wonders if the secularization of Westphalia does not match a scientific development which implies deism (and thus, monotheism and - potentially– totalitarianism). In that sense, the (really non-existent) “Scientific Revolution” of the 17th century and the involvement of many Catholics researchers in it –against the known historiographical topic (today abandoned among experts)– would be considered as an insufficient and, finally, “secularist” proposal.

Keywords

• secularización
• historia
• mundo
• revolución científica
• westfalia
• iglesia