Secularists

Secularists the name assumed by a sect of modern unbelievers to express their fundamental tenet that the duties and interests connected with the world which we see around us are those with which alone we have any concern. The Secularists are atheists, so far as they consider the existence of a personal God an open question, for belief in which no sufficient proofs are adduced. They are pantheists, so far as they consider nature to be the only God whose existence can be at all demonstrated. Another essential article of their creed is that "science is the providence of men, and that absolute spiritual dependence may involve material destruction." Science they define to be "those methodized agencies which are at our command; that systematized knowledge which enables us to use the powers of nature for human benefit." The doctrine, then, of the Secularists is that if men properly use the powers of nature which are within their reach, they have no need to resort to prayer, with the view of seeking assistance from heaven. On the subject of morality they maintain that "there exist, independently of Scripture authority, guarantees of morals in human nature, intelligence, and utility." The facts and doctrines 'of Christianity are, of course, denied by them. Although the Secularists profess to be independent thinkers, their principles are in reality nothing more or less than the echo of rationalism and positivism among the less educated classes of thoughtful men. See Blunt, Dict. of Sects, s.v.; Gardner, Faiths of the World, s.v.