The Age of Reason · Chapter
Endnotes explained
The endnotes provide editorial commentary and clarifications on Thomas Paine's text, including corrections, historical references, and explanations of biblical and theological points.
What happens
The endnotes provide editorial commentary and clarifications on Thomas Paine's text, including corrections, historical references, and explanations of biblical and theological points. They address Paine's use of terms, allusions to contemporary figures and events, and critical analysis of biblical inconsistencies and forgeries.
Themes in this chapter
Critique of Biblical Inerrancy
Endnotes highlight Paine's exposure of biblical contradictions, anachronisms, and forgeries, such as the interpolation of Cyrus's name in Isaiah.
Reason vs. Revelation
Paine's rational analysis of biblical texts is underscored by editorial comments on the unreliability of scriptural transmission.
Deism and Natural Theology
Editor notes Paine's deist perspective, including the assertion that Deism was the religion of Adam.
Characters to notice
- Thomas Paine
Author of The Age of Reason; subject of editorial notes clarifying his arguments and references.
- Joshua
Mentioned in Paine's critique of the sun standing still; editor notes Paine's ridicule of the fable.
- Moses
Referenced in Paine's comparison of Moses and Joshua; editor notes Bishop Newton's misinterpretation.
- Isaiah
Discussed in relation to the interpolation of Cyrus's name, indicating later authorship.
- Cyrus
Name inserted into Isaiah's text anachronistically, used by Paine to argue for later compilation.
- Whiston
Mathematician and theologian who defended then doubted Scripture; cited by editor regarding Zechariah.
- Newton
Bishop of Bristol; criticized by Paine for superficial treatment of prophecies.
- Jonah
Book of Jonah treated with dignity by Paine; editor notes Paine's high conception of Deity in the story.
Key passages
“Such constant rebirth of the Son was the doctrine of the Master Eckhardt (4th cent. ). —Conway”
The idea of the Son being continually reborn was taught by Master Eckhardt in the 4th century.
Editorial note on early Christian doctrine.
“Deism was the religion of Adam, supposing him not an imaginary being; but none the less must it be left to all men to follow, as is their right, the religion and worship they prefer.”
If Adam existed, his religion was Deism; nevertheless, everyone has the right to choose their own faith.
Paine's deist principle as translated by Conway.
“This tale of the sun standing still upon Mount Gibeon, and the moon in the valley of Ajalon, is one of those fables that detects itself.”
The story of the sun and moon stopping is self-evidently a fable.
Paine's critique of the Joshua miracle.
“The sublime and the ridiculous are often so nearly related that it is difficult to class them separately.”
The sublime and the ridiculous are closely connected and hard to distinguish.
Paine's reflection on the Joshua account.
“Whiston, after writing so much in defence of the Scriptures, was at last prosecuted for writing against them.”
Whiston, who had defended the Scriptures extensively, was eventually prosecuted for opposing them.
Editor's note on Whiston's fate.
“It is only those who examine them, that see the imposition. Those who believe them most are those who know least about them.”
Only those who scrutinize the Scriptures see the deception; the most devout believers are the least informed.
Paine's view on biblical criticism.
