The Age of Reason · Chapter
The Age of Reason explained
Thomas Paine introduces his work as an investigation of true and fabulous theology, declaring his intention to examine the Bible and Christian doctrine critically.
What happens
Thomas Paine introduces his work as an investigation of true and fabulous theology, declaring his intention to examine the Bible and Christian doctrine critically. He professes his belief in one God and hopes for happiness beyond this life, while denouncing all national churches and systems of religion that have been established to terrify and enslave mankind.
Themes in this chapter
Reason vs. Revelation
Paine contrasts his own deist faith, based on reason and the creation, with the claimed revelations of the Bible.
Critique of Organized Religion
Paine denounces all established churches as human inventions set up to terrify and enslave mankind, monopolizing power and profit.
Characters to notice
- Thomas Paine
Author and narrator; declares his personal creed and purpose for writing.
Key passages
“I believe in one God, and no more; and I hope for happiness beyond this life.”
Paine states his simple deist creed: belief in a single God and hope for an afterlife.
Paine's personal declaration of faith, setting the stage for his critique of organized religion.
“All national institutions of churches, whether Jewish, Christian, or Turkish, appear to me no other than human inventions set up to terrify and enslave mankind, and monopolize power and profit.”
Paine argues that all state-sponsored religions are merely human creations designed to frighten and control people for the benefit of the clergy.
A central thesis of the work, condemning organized religion as a tool of oppression.