Age of Reason (version 2)

The Age of Reason, written by Thomas Paine and published in three parts between 1794 and 1807, critiques institutionalized religion and questions the legitimacy of the Bible. Paine advocates for reason over revelation, arguing against divine inspiration and highlighting contradictions within the biblical text. This influential work sparked a deistic revival in the United States and was notable for its accessible prose, making complex ideas available to a broader audience. The pamphlet faced significant backlash, leading to legal challenges against its publication for decades.