Character guide

Thomas Paine

major

Also known as Paine, Tom Paine, Mr. Paine

Author and narrator of the work, arguing for deism and critiquing organized religion.

Jesus Christ

major

Also known as Jesus, Christ

Central figure of Christianity whose character and history are examined critically by Paine.

Moses

supporting

Traditional author of the Pentateuch, whose works are analyzed as historical documents.

Matthew

supporting

Also known as St. Matthew

Evangelist whose gospel is examined for contradictions and historical accuracy.

Luke

supporting

Also known as St. Luke

Evangelist whose gospel is compared with others to highlight inconsistencies.

Isaiah

minor

Old Testament prophet whose writings are discussed in Paine's critique.

Joshua

minor

Biblical figure whose book is analyzed for historical and moral content.

Jeremiah

minor

Also known as Jeremy

Old Testament prophet whose writings are cited in Paine's analysis.

Jonah

minor

Biblical prophet whose story is used to illustrate absurdities in scripture.

Saul

minor

First king of Israel, discussed in the context of Old Testament history.

David

minor

Also known as David Levi

King of Israel and central figure in Old Testament narratives examined by Paine.

Mark

minor

Also known as St. Mark

Evangelist whose gospel is scrutinized for historical reliability.

Joseph le Bon

minor

Also known as Joseph

French revolutionary figure mentioned in Paine's political commentary.

Samuel Adams

minor

Also known as Samuel

American revolutionary and political figure referenced by Paine.

Satan

minor

Biblical adversary discussed in the context of Christian theology.

Ahaz

minor

King of Judah mentioned in Old Testament prophecies.

Solomon

minor

Also known as Sol

Biblical king known for wisdom, whose writings are analyzed.

Zedekiah

minor

Also known as King Zedekiah

Last king of Judah before the Babylonian captivity.

Malachi

minor

Also known as Zechariah, Haggai Zechariah Malachi

Old Testament prophet whose book is discussed in Paine's critique.

Cyrus

minor

Persian king who allowed Jews to return from exile, mentioned in prophecy.

Paul

minor

Also known as St. Paul

Apostle whose writings are examined for contradictions with the gospels.

Dr. Conyers Middleton

minor

Also known as Middleton

English scholar whose work on miracles is cited by Paine.

Judas

minor

Apostle who betrayed Jesus, discussed in gospel analysis.

Daniel Isaacs Eaton

minor

Also known as Eaton, Dan, Daniel

Publisher of Paine's works, mentioned in the text.

John the Baptist

minor

Also known as John

Biblical prophet who baptized Jesus, referenced in gospels.

Elisha

minor

Old Testament prophet and successor to Elijah.

Nebuchadnezzar

minor

Babylonian king who conquered Jerusalem, mentioned in prophecy.

Ezekiel

minor

Old Testament prophet whose visions are analyzed by Paine.

François Lanthenas

minor

Also known as Lanthenas

French translator and friend of Paine mentioned in the text.

Erskine

minor

British lawyer who prosecuted Paine for seditious libel.

Newton

minor

Also known as Newton or Descartes

Scientist whose work is contrasted with biblical cosmology.

Mary Magdalene

minor

Also known as Mary, Magdalene

Follower of Jesus mentioned in gospel resurrection accounts.

Peter Pindar

minor

Also known as Peter

Pseudonym of satirist John Wolcot, referenced by Paine.

Abraham

minor

Patriarch of Judaism and Christianity, discussed in Old Testament analysis.

Homer

minor

Ancient Greek poet mentioned in comparison to biblical authors.

Adam

minor

First man in the biblical creation story, analyzed by Paine.

Virgilius

minor

Roman poet referenced in Paine's literary comparisons.

Dr. Priestley

minor

Also known as Priestley

English scientist and theologian whose views are discussed.

Jupiter

minor

Roman god used as example of pagan mythology.

Samson

minor

Biblical judge known for strength, mentioned in Old Testament critique.

Whiston

minor

English theologian and historian cited by Paine.

Job

minor

Biblical figure whose story of suffering is analyzed.

Esaias

minor

Alternate name for Isaiah used in some biblical references.

John Adams

minor

Also known as Adams, John

American founding father and second president, mentioned by Paine.

Elias Hicks

minor

Also known as Elijah

Quaker preacher whose views are referenced by Paine.

Muhammad

minor

Founder of Islam, mentioned in comparative religious discussion.

Virgin Mary

minor

Also known as Mary

Mother of Jesus, discussed in gospel narratives.

Robespierre

minor

French revolutionary leader mentioned in political context.

Thomas Williams

minor

Also known as Williams

Bookseller prosecuted for publishing Paine's works.

Euclid

minor

Ancient Greek mathematician cited for logical reasoning.

Saturn

minor

Roman god mentioned in pagan mythology comparisons.

Cicero

minor

Roman orator and philosopher referenced by Paine.

Ezra

minor

Biblical scribe associated with restoration of Jewish law.

King Lemuel

minor

Also known as Lemuel

Biblical king mentioned in Proverbs, analyzed by Paine.

Col. John Fellows

minor

Also known as Fellows, John

American publisher and friend of Paine.

Eve

minor

First woman in the biblical creation story.

Boulanger

minor

Also known as N. A. Boulanger

French author referenced in Paine's religious critique.

Couthon

minor

French revolutionary figure mentioned in political context.

H. D. Symonds

minor

Also known as Symonds

London publisher of Paine's works.

Kant

minor

German philosopher mentioned in philosophical discussion.

Jehoshaphat

minor

King of Judah mentioned in Old Testament history.

Benjamin Franklin

minor

Also known as Franklin

American founding father and inventor, mentioned by Paine.

Swift

minor

Anglo-Irish satirist referenced in literary context.

Agur

minor

Biblical author of Proverbs 30, analyzed by Paine.

Joel Barlow

minor

Also known as Barlow, Joel

American poet and diplomat, friend of Paine.

Mr. Monroe

minor

Also known as Mr. and Mrs. Monroe

American diplomat who assisted Paine in France.

Venus

minor

Roman goddess mentioned in pagan mythology comparisons.

Jeroboam

minor

Also known as king Jeroboam

First king of the northern Kingdom of Israel.

Pharaoh

minor

Egyptian king in the Exodus story, discussed by Paine.

Boniface

minor

Also known as St. Boniface

Christian missionary saint mentioned in religious history.

Herschel

minor

Astronomer whose discoveries are referenced by Paine.

Hezekiah

minor

King of Judah during the Assyrian siege.

Rachel

minor

Biblical matriarch, wife of Jacob.

Junius

minor

Pseudonymous political writer referenced by Paine.

Abner

minor

Biblical military commander under King Saul.

Solon

minor

Athenian lawgiver mentioned in political comparison.