The Age of Reason

*The Age of Reason* is a deist work by Thomas Paine published in three parts beginning in 1794. Paine argues for belief in a creator while firmly rejecting revelation, miracles, biblical infallibility, and the authority of organized churches.

Paine faced immense backlash because the pamphlet passionately attacked the authority claimed by organized churches and scrutinized the Bible as ordinary literature rather than the word of God. Many readers branded him an atheist, despite his clear defense of deism.

Thomas Paine began writing the first part of *The Age of Reason* in 1794 while he was imprisoned in France during the French Revolution. The subsequent parts were published in 1795 and 1807.

In the pamphlet, Paine examines passages from the Hebrew Bible and New Testament, pointing out what he saw as internal contradictions and historical inaccuracies. He used rationalist analysis to argue that these texts were human inventions rather than divine revelation.