The Age of Reason
The Age of Reason is a work by the political writer and revolutionary Thomas Paine, published in parts beginning in 1794. In it Paine defends deism, the belief in a creator known through reason and nature rather than scripture or church authority. He criticizes organized religion, especially Christianity, and challenges the authority and accuracy of the Bible through close, often skeptical reading. Paine argues that true religion lies in moral conduct and the study of the natural world rather than in revealed texts and clergy. Written in his plain, forceful style, the book caused controversy and damaged his reputation in some circles even as it influenced freethinkers. It remains a key document of Enlightenment-era religious skepticism and the case for rational inquiry.
Also by Thomas Paine
What you might want to know about The Age of Reason
The questions readers send us most often, answered without spoilers.
Thomas Paine sets out a deist critique of organized religion and the Bible, arguing for reason over revelation.
He defends deism, criticizes organized religion, and argues that reason and nature, not scripture, reveal the creator.
It was published in parts starting in 1794, with later sections following in 1795 and beyond.
The Age of Reason was written by Thomas Paine, published in 1794 by Macmillan Pub Co.
The Age of Reason is 155 pages in standard print editions, though page counts vary slightly between hardcover, paperback, and large-print formats.
At an average reading pace of about 250 words per minute, The Age of Reason takes most readers 2 to 3 hours to finish.
The Age of Reason is available in hardcover, paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats from Amazon, Bookshop.org, ThriftBooks, and most major bookstores.
