47 pages • 1 hour read
Thomas PaineThe Age Of Reason
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1794A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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.
Reviews & Readership
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.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsBook Details
Philosophy
Religion / Spirituality
Science / Nature
Age of Enlightenment
Values/Ideas: Good & Evil
Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality
Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies
Philosophy
Classic Fiction