English Secularism

Published in the 19th century, 'English Secularism' by George J. Holyoake is a foundational text that defines secularism as a philosophy advocating for the separation of religion from public life. Holyoake, an English freethinker and the first to coin the term 'secularism,' argues that religion should remain a private matter and critiques the influence of religious institutions on society. His work is notable for its historical context, as Holyoake was also one of the last individuals in England convicted of blasphemy, highlighting the tensions between secular thought and religious authority during his time.