Thomas Albert Howard

Thomas Albert Howard, a professor of humanities and history at Valparaiso University, discusses his new book, which challenges the assumption that secularism is inherently less violent than religion. He argues that various forms of secularism, especially during tumultuous periods like the French Revolution, have instigated significant violence. Howard also delves into the conflicts between Marxism and religious practices in Russia, the implications of France's 1905 secular laws, and the transformative effects of Kemalism on Turkey's identity.

Join historian Thomas Albert Howard, a professor at Valparaiso University and author of *Broken Altars*, as he dives deep into the myth that religion is the main source of violence. He uncovers how combative and eliminationist secularism have historically sought to suppress religious faith. Howard discusses influential figures like Voltaire and Marx, the ideological rationalization behind violence, and the global implications of secularist policies. His insights reveal a complex relationship between secularism and religious persecution throughout history.

Thomas Albert Howard, a renowned Professor of Humanities at Valparaiso University and author of *Broken Altars*, explores the often-overlooked violence linked to secularist regimes in the 20th century. He discusses three types of secularism and their historical impacts, from Marx's anti-religious policies to modern Turkey’s and Iran’s violent secular reforms. Howard emphasizes the real dangers of combative and eliminationist secularism, suggesting that the narrative of peaceful secularism is misleading and requires a broader understanding of global history.

Thomas Albert Howard, a professor at Valparaiso University and author of "Broken Altars," dives into the dark side of secularism in modern history. He argues that extreme forms of secularism have led to violence as severe as, or worse than, religious conflicts. Howard breaks down three types of secularism—passive, combative, and eliminationist—and explores their implications across various countries. He also emphasizes the need for legal protections for religious pluralism to safeguard against authoritarianism and advocates for a nuanced understanding of secularism's impact on society.

In this engaging discussion, Thomas Albert Howard, a Professor of Humanities and History at Valparaiso University and author of "Broken Altars," explores the overlooked violence linked to extreme secularism. He critiques the prevailing belief that secularism inherently fosters peace, presenting a nuanced history of its darker forms. Howard defines passive, combative, and eliminationist secularism, illustrating their consequences in countries like Turkey and China. Challenging the myth of a pacifying modernity, he advocates for the importance of pluralism and religious liberty.