What did Enlightenment secularism advocate?

Enlightenment secularism advocated for the separation of church and state, emphasizing that religious institutions and authority should not influence or control government functions and policies. This concept emerged during the Enlightenment, a period characterized by a focus on reason, science, and humanistic values. Secularism sought to promote a society in which beliefs and practices could be personal choices, free from coercion or interference by religious authorities. The aim was to ensure that governance could be based on rational thought and the welfare of the public rather than religious dogma. This separation allows for a more diverse society where various beliefs can coexist without one dominating political power, reflecting the Enlightenment ideals of liberty and individual rights.