Secularism

A term invented by G.J. Holyoake (1817- 1906) to indicate a way of life which leaves out of consideration God, revelation, heaven, and hell, but bases morality on that which will enhance the public good. Originally no denial of religious belief was implied, but as a result of Charles Bradlaugh's (1833-91) later powerful advocacy of secularism, the term increasingly became associated with atheism.* In later usage it often means the view that religion should not be taught in schools.