The Age of Reason

by Thomas Paine Narrated by Matthew King

Overview

"Thomas Paine's "The Age of Reason" is a thought-provoking work that both defends Deism and challenges the world's major monotheistic religions. Let's delve into its fascinating aspects: Overview: "The Age of Reason" is a book by English and American political activist Thomas Paine. It argues for the philosophical position of deism, which emphasizes reason, natural religion, and skepticism toward institutionalized religion. The book was published in three parts: in 1794, 1795, and 1807. While it became a best-seller in the United States, British audiences received it with more hostility due to fears of increased political radicalism after the French Revolution. Key Themes: Deism: Paine's work follows in the tradition of 18th-century British deism. Deists advocated for free rational inquiry, religious toleration, and an end to religious persecution. Natural Law: Deists believed that all things in the universe, including God, must obey the laws of nature. They rejected miraculous accounts and insisted on reason and rationality. Bible Critique: Paine challenges the legitimacy of the Bible, viewing it as an ordinary piece of literature rather than a divinely-inspired text. Appealing Style: By presenting deistic arguments in an engaging and irreverent style, Paine made deism accessible to the masses. "The Age of Reason" remains a significant work that shaped intellectual discourse and inspired free thinkers."

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

There are many editions of The Age of Reason available for students and modern readers. Kerry Walters’ Broadview Edition is the best. It combines an astute introduction with up-to-the-moment bibliographic material. Walters also illuminates crucial aspects of the book and its arguments with hard-to-find contemporary documents that put Paine’s work in an international context.” — Bruce Kuklick, University of Pennsylvania

“Kerry Walters’ new edition of Thomas Paine’s Age of Reason, along with its collection of pre- and post-publication material, is an invaluable addition to the Paine library. Most impressive is Walters’s eloquent and lucid introduction, which concisely places Paine’s Deism in the greater context of the British and French Enlightenment. It is an indispensable edition for undergraduate and graduate students studying history, philosophy, the history of religion, and the psychology of social ideas.” — Jack Fruchtman Jr., Towson University

Jack Fruchtman Jr. Towson University

"Kerry Walters' new edition of Thomas Paine's Age of Reason, along with its collection of pre- and post-publication material, is an invaluable addition to the Paine library. Most impressive is Walters's eloquent and lucid introduction, which concisely places Paine's Deism in the greater context of the British and French Enlightenment. It is an indispensable edition for undergraduate and graduate students studying history, philosophy, the history of religion, and the psychology of social ideas."

Bruce Kuklick University of Pennsylvania

"There are many editions of The Age of Reason available for students and modern readers. Kerry Walters' Broadview Edition is the best. It combines an astute introduction with up-to-the-moment bibliographic material. Walters also illuminates crucial aspects of the book and its arguments with hard-to-find contemporary documents that put Paine's work in an international context."

Product Details

BN ID:	2940191924717
Publisher:	Manifold Media LLC
Publication date:	07/27/2024
Edition description:	Unabridged