Which term best describes the philosophy that states should not interfere with religious practices?

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The term that best describes the philosophy that states should not interfere with religious practices is accommodationism. This approach supports the idea that the government should acknowledge and permit the practice of religious beliefs without favoring one over another. It recognizes that religion plays a significant role in many people's lives and advocates for a harmonious coexistence between religious practices and governmental authority.

Accommodationism posits that rather than enforcing a strict separation between church and state, there should be allowances made for religious expressions in the public sphere, provided they do not infringe on the rights of others. This can manifest in legal frameworks that protect religious practices while maintaining a level of neutrality in governance.

In contrast, secularism advocates for a clear separation between religion and state affairs, promoting a non-religious approach to public policy. Atheism, being the belief in no deity, is not concerned with the role of government regarding religious practice. Neutralism, while it suggests a stance of non-interference, does not specifically address the accommodation of religious practices in the way that accommodationism does. Hence, accommodationism is the most suitable term for this philosophy.

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