SEKULARISASI POLITIK Pengalaman Amerika Serikat dan Dunia Islam

Abstract

This article discusses the issue of secularization of politics as a phenomenon which can hardly be avoided by any society. The secularization of politics, however, provides for religion a place in political and public life as it happens in the United States. In
this state, religion plays a significant role in influencing  electoral behavior and public issues in political campaign. In most Muslim countries, including Indonesia, the existing political system is secular in nature, despite some rejections against the idea and practice of secularization. The secularization of politics therefore does not essentially make society atheistic or irreligious; rather it can develop a fresh climate for the growth of genuine religiosity and spirituality, for religion is free from any political interference.