The Age of Reason · Chapters

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Chapter companions for The Age of Reason by Thomas Paine.

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Chapter 1
Editor's Introduction
Moncure Daniel Conway's introduction provides historical context for Paine's 'The Age of Reason', discussing the circumstances of its composition, Paine's early intentions to write on religion, his astronomical interests, and the textual history of the work. Conway highlights Paine's deist upbringing among Quakers, the persecution of the book, and its lasting significance in theistic thought, particularly Paine's shift from Newtonian deism to a moral foundation for belief in God.
Chapter 2
The Age of Reason
Thomas Paine introduces his work as an investigation of true and fabulous theology, declaring his intention to examine the Bible and Christian doctrine critically. He professes his belief in one God and hopes for happiness beyond this life, while denouncing all national churches and systems of religion that have been established to terrify and enslave mankind.
Chapter 3
The Author's Profession of Faith
Thomas Paine explains his long-held intention to publish his thoughts on religion, precipitated by the French Revolution's abolition of the priesthood. He professes his deist faith: belief in one God, equality of man, and religious duties of justice, mercy, and promoting happiness. He rejects all established churches as human inventions for power and profit, and argues that mental dishonesty in professing false beliefs is destructive to morality. He predicts that political revolution will lead to religious revolution, restoring pure belief in one God.
Chapter 4
II: Of Missions and Revelations
Paine argues that all national religions claim a special divine mission, but that revelation is only valid for the first recipient; all subsequent accounts are hearsay. He critiques the stories of Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad as second-hand evidence, and traces Christian mythology to pagan roots, asserting that the Church adapted heathen idolatry for power and profit.
Chapter 5
III: Concerning the Character of Jesus Christ, and His History
Paine distinguishes between the historical Jesus, whom he praises as a virtuous and amiable moral teacher, and the supernatural narratives of the New Testament, which he argues are fraudulent. He contends that the accounts of Jesus' resurrection and ascension lack credible evidence, relying on hearsay and a small number of witnesses, and that the Jews, as descendants of those living at the time, deny the story. Paine suggests Jesus was executed due to the hostility of the Jewish priesthood and possible Roman fears, portraying him as a reformer and revolutionist.

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Editor's Introduction

The Age of Reason

The Author's Profession of Faith

II: Of Missions and Revelations

III: Concerning the Character of Jesus Christ, and His History