The Age of Reason · Question
How does The Age of Reason develop the theme of Reason vs. Revelation?
Answer
The Age of Reason by Thomas Paine develops Reason vs. Revelation across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
Paine argues that true religion is based on reason and the observable creation, not on claimed revelations, miracles, or mysterious doctrines found in scripture.
Paine contrasts his own deist faith, based on reason and the creation, with the claimed revelations of the Bible.
Paine contrasts reason with the hearsay nature of revelation, arguing that only firsthand divine communication can be considered revelation.
Paine applies reason to critique the resurrection story, demanding public evidence for supernatural claims and rejecting hearsay.
Evidence in the book
- The Age of Reason
Paine contrasts his own deist faith, based on reason and the creation, with the claimed revelations of the Bible.
- II: Of Missions and Revelations
Paine contrasts reason with the hearsay nature of revelation, arguing that only firsthand divine communication can be considered revelation.
- III: Concerning the Character of Jesus Christ, and His History
Paine applies reason to critique the resurrection story, demanding public evidence for supernatural claims and rejecting hearsay.
- Of the Bases of Christianity
Paine uses reason to deconstruct the Christian fable, highlighting its inconsistencies and reliance on earlier myths.
- V: Examination in Detail of the Preceding Bases
Paine contrasts rational examination with the credulity induced by religious education and emotional enthusiasm.
- VII: Examination of the Old Testament
Paine distinguishes between true revelation (direct divine communication) and the Bible's historical tales, which he deems hearsay.
- VIII: Of the New Testament
Paine argues that revelation cannot apply to anecdotal accounts and that reason is the true gift from God.
- X: Concerning God, and the Lights Cast on His Existence and Attributes by the Bible
Paine asserts that reason alone can discover God's existence, while revelation (as in the Bible) is insufficient and often misleading.
