The Bible of nature : $b or, The principles of secularism. A contribution to the religion of the future

"The Bible of Nature; or, The Principles of Secularism" by Felix L. Oswald is a late 19th-century philosophical exploration championing a "Religion of Nature," a direct opposition to traditional religions. The author expresses the idea that secularism should be rooted in natural principles and intrinsic human behaviors. The work scrutinizes how religious organizations have historically stifled scientific progress and rational thinking. Instead, it suggests that knowledge and moral standards should be shaped by nature, not by rigid doctrines. The early sections offer a detailed review of the effects religion has had on human development, and he posits that both superstition and hostility to natural instincts have hampered advancements in human welfare and development. Oswald argues that earlier religions have weakened both minds and bodies by preaching concepts that reject inherent human instincts. Instead of all of that, he promotes a secular philosophy focused on health, knowledge, and defending people's basic rights. Suggesting core principles for physical, mental, and moral guidance to recover the pure human experience from limiting views, the book concludes that humanity’s path ahead depends on accepting reason and who we are at our core.