Guru Granth Sahib is the Holy Scripture of the Sikhs. It is spiritual and temporal (worldly) authority for the Sikhs. Sikhs philosophy refers to this as Miri-Piri(King and Saint). This authority over spiritual and temporal (worldly) is proudly proclaimed by two Nishan Sahibs (Sikh flags) outside the Gurdwara.
Modern writers such as Karen Armstrong writes in her book 'The Battle for God' that there are "obscure regions of the subconscious realm, which is not accessible to purely rational investigation, but which has a profound effect upon our experience and behavior." She calls it Mythos and Logos (spiritual and logical realm). (Armstrong, 2001)
People’s worldly and spiritual needs must be addressed for healthy life and community.
Modern secular world ignores people’s spiritual needs. Modern Secular World and Nationalism in their fanatical pursuit of money also look down upon non-rational and spiritual needs. As an example, so many public projects are devoid of any beauty. This despiritualizes people.
This leaves a vacuum. People then fill this vacuum with new age junk philosophies, drugs, or religious fundamentalism. They are harmful.
The author Karen Armstrong in her book 'The Battle for God' recognizes role of intolerant rationalism and Nationalism in rise of Fundamentalism. "Their [fundamentalists] movements had often evolved in a dialectical relationship with an aggressive secularism which showed scant respect for religion and its adherents." "Suppression and coercion [of fundamentalists] are clearly not the answer." (Armstrong, 2001)
Sikh philosophy advocates for non-coercion, Libertarian Capitalism, and small Government. Government should not try and control people’s minds or promote Nationalism as a religion, or secretly suppress religion. People are free to pursue whatever makes them happy and healthy instead of having junk philosophies thrust on them to keep them weak and distracted.
Sikh philosophy has no distinction or conflict between the spiritual and temporal (worldly) realm. The Mythos and Logos are equally important.
"Religion is not opium of the people, but vitamin of the weak." [Régis Debray]
The BBC journalist Mark Tully visited Darbar Sahib - the holiest shrine of the Sikhs - and said, "Only those entirely devoid of all spirituality could fail to feel something of the presence of God." (Mark Tully, 2003)