Freethinkers coined ‘secularism’ to dodge charges of atheism

Evidence

The terms “secularism” and “secularist” were introduced into English by freethinkers in the middle of the nineteenth century in order to avoid the charge of their being “atheists” and “infidels,” terms that carried suggestions of immorality in a still largely Christian society. — Talal Asad, Formations of the Secular, 92 (#corroborates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: The very word secularism was a strategic euphemism devised by Victorian freethinkers — Talal Asad, Formations of the Secular:…, 92; The term neoconservative was coined to brand apostates from the left

Broader Connections

• The very word secularism was a strategic euphemism devised by Victorian freethinkers #corroborates (0.98) — Talal Asad, Formations of the Secular, 92