# Contradictory Doctrines Between Matthew and Mark explained — The Age of Reason

> Chapter companion for The Age of Reason by Thomas Paine.

## What happens

Paine contrasts the doctrine of salvation by faith in Mark 16:16 with the doctrine of salvation by good works in Matthew 25, arguing that the latter emphasizes humanitarian acts over belief, and criticizes priests for ignoring this passage.

## Themes in this chapter

### Critique of Biblical Inerrancy

Paine highlights a direct contradiction between Matthew and Mark, undermining the claim of biblical consistency.

### Morality and Humanity

Paine praises Matthew's emphasis on good works toward fellow humans as the true path to salvation.

### Critique of Organized Religion

Paine accuses priests of ignoring Matthew 25 because it does not serve their financial interests.

## Character check-ins

### Thomas Paine

Author who analyzes and contrasts the doctrines of Matthew and Mark.

### Jesus Christ

Quoted in both Mark and Matthew as preaching contradictory doctrines on salvation.

### Matthew

Author of the Gospel that emphasizes salvation through good works.

### Mark

Author of the Gospel that emphasizes salvation through faith and baptism.

## Key lines

> He that believeth and is baptised shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Belief and baptism are required for salvation; disbelief leads to damnation.

_Paine cites Mark 16:16 as the doctrine of salvation by faith._

> Come ye blessed of my father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat...

The righteous are rewarded for their acts of kindness to others, not for their beliefs.

_Paine quotes Matthew 25 to illustrate salvation through good works._

> Here is nothing about believing in Christ—nothing about that phantom of the imagination called 'faith.'

Matthew's passage does not mention faith in Christ at all.

_Paine emphasizes the absence of faith in Matthew's account._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/chapters/part-iii-contradictory-doctrines-between-matthew-and-mark
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_reason_se/chapters