The Age of Reason · Question
How does The Age of Reason develop the theme of Deism and Natural Theology?
Answer
The Age of Reason by Thomas Paine develops Deism and Natural Theology across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
Paine professes belief in one God and argues that the study of nature and science—the 'creation we behold'—is the true word of God and the basis for authentic theology.
Paine's theism is described as a birthright; his early work is an amplification of Newtonian Deism based on planetary motion, while later work bases belief in God on the moral nature of man.
Paine professes belief in one God and hopes for happiness beyond life, rejecting all organized creeds and advocating a pure, unadulterated belief.
Paine points to the natural world—the sun, rain, and abundance—as evidence of a benevolent Creator, arguing that true theology is found in the observable universe rather than in scripture.
Evidence in the book
- Editor's Introduction
Paine's theism is described as a birthright; his early work is an amplification of Newtonian Deism based on planetary motion, while later work bases belief in God on the moral nature of man.
- The Author's Profession of Faith
Paine professes belief in one God and hopes for happiness beyond life, rejecting all organized creeds and advocating a pure, unadulterated belief.
- VI: Of the True Theology
Paine points to the natural world—the sun, rain, and abundance—as evidence of a benevolent Creator, arguing that true theology is found in the observable universe rather than in scripture.
- IX: In What the True Revelation Consists
Paine asserts that the creation itself is the true word of God, revealing divine attributes without need for scripture.
- X: Concerning God, and the Lights Cast on His Existence and Attributes by the Bible
Paine emphasizes that God is known through reason and the book of creation, not through scripture, citing Job and Psalm 19 as deistical compositions.
- XI: Of the Theology of the Christians; and the True Theology
Paine advocates for studying the works of creation as the true theology, emphasizing the divine origin of scientific principles.
- XIII: Comparison of Christianism with the Religious Ideas Inspired by Nature
Paine contrasts the pure and simple profession of Deism with Christian mythology, emphasizing contemplation of the Deity in his works.
- System of the Universe
Paine uses the orderly structure of the solar system to argue for a rational Creator and a universe filled with worlds.
