47 pages • 1 hour read
The Age Of Reason
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Book Brief
184
Book • Nonfiction
1794
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Thomas Paine's The Age of Reason is a three-part work published in 1794, 1795, and 1807, advocating Deism and rejecting major monotheistic religions by critiquing the Old and New Testaments. Emphasizing the pursuit of truth through natural philosophy (science), Paine argues that religious texts are fraudulent and promotes Deism as consistent with the spirit of the era's political upheavals. The book contains strong critiques of Judaism and Christianity that some readers may find offensive or sensitive.
Informative
Contemplative
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
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Review Roundup
Thomas Paine's The Age of Reason garners mixed reviews: praised for its clear, rational critique of organized religion and promotion of deism, it also faces criticism for perceived oversimplification and historical inaccuracies. While some appreciate its bold, provocative stance, others find it repetitive and lacking theological nuance. Overall, it remains a significant, though polarizing, Enlightenment work.
Who Should Read The Age Of Reason?
A reader who enjoys The Age of Reason by Thomas Paine is likely an enthusiast of Enlightenment philosophy, rationalism, and religious critique. Comparable to fans of Voltaire's Candide and John Locke's An Essay Concerning Human Understanding, they appreciate works questioning established dogmas and advocating for intellectual liberty.
10,905 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
184
Book • Nonfiction
1794
Adult
18+ years
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