The Age of Reason · Chapter
III: Conclusion explained
In the conclusion of Part II, Paine reiterates his rejection of revealed religion and the Bible as impositions and forgeries, advocating instead for a natural theology based on the 'Bible of the creation'—the universe and its scientific pri
What happens
In the conclusion of Part II, Paine reiterates his rejection of revealed religion and the Bible as impositions and forgeries, advocating instead for a natural theology based on the 'Bible of the creation'—the universe and its scientific principles. He argues that true knowledge of God comes from observing the order and laws of nature, not from scripture or church teachings, and that science and reason lead to genuine reverence and gratitude toward the Creator. Paine condemns revealed religion as the source of historical atrocities and calls for a revolution in religion where preachers are philosophers and houses of devotion become schools of science.
Themes in this chapter
Deism and Natural Theology
Paine argues that the universe itself is the true 'Bible of the creation,' revealing God through science and natural laws, not through scripture.
Critique of Organized Religion
Paine condemns revealed religion as the source of 'the most detestable wickedness' and 'horrid cruelties,' including religious wars and persecutions.
Reason vs. Revelation
Paine contrasts the immutable laws of science and reason with the 'invented thing' of revealed religion, asserting that truth prevails when opinions are free.
Characters to notice
- Thomas Paine
Author and speaker, concluding his argument against revealed religion and for deistic natural theology.
- Moses
Cited as an example of an impostor and monster associated with the Bible's violent narratives.
- Joshua
Mentioned alongside Moses and Samuel as a Bible figure responsible for horrid assassinations.
- Samuel
Listed with Moses and Joshua as a prophet whose pretended word of God led to atrocities.
- Jesus Christ
Referenced as one of those who did not bring scientific knowledge; also as part of Christian mythology.
Key passages
“The Bible of the creation is inexhaustible in texts. Every part of science... is a text as well for devotion as for philosophy—for gratitude, as for human improvement.”
Nature itself provides endless lessons for both worship and learning, inspiring gratitude and progress.
Paine promotes natural theology as superior to scripture.
“It has been by wandering from the immutable laws of science, and the light of reason, and setting up an invented thing called 'revealed religion,' that so many wild and blasphemous conceits have been formed of the Almighty.”
Departing from reason and science to embrace revealed religion has led to absurd and offensive ideas about God.
Paine critiques revealed religion as a human invention that distorts the divine.
“The most detestable wickedness, the most horrid cruelties, and the greatest miseries, that have afflicted the human race have had their origin in this thing called revelation, or revealed religion.”
The worst evils in history stem from belief in revealed religion.
Paine blames revealed religion for historical atrocities.