What Thomas Paine thinks about religion
Pamphleteer and revolutionary (1737 to 1809), born in Norfolk, England; author of Common Sense, a central text behind the call for American independence, and Rights of Man.
Thomas Paine did not write this page.
We collected these quotes from things they published elsewhere, and every quote links to where it was said. They have no account here and have not endorsed this site. Quotes are word for word; the short line under each one is our own restatement, not their wording. Their own site. Is this you? Claim it or ask us to remove it. Or tell us what is wrong here.
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5 dated positions, c. 1792 to c. 1795, in their own words. Our reading of what Thomas Paine has said — not written or endorsed by them.
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Their wordsThe most detestable wickedness, the most horrid cruelties, and the greatest miseries, that have afflicted the human race have had their origin in this thing called revelation, or revealed religion.
↗The Age of Reason, Parts I and II (1794-1795)gutenberg.org All 20 from this book
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Their wordsOf all the modes of evidence that ever were invented to obtain belief to any system or opinion to which the name of religion has been given, that of miracle, however successful the imposition may have been, is the most inconsistent.
↗The Age of Reason, Parts I and II (1794-1795)gutenberg.org All 20 from this book
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Their wordsThe things in which they disgrace are the redundancies annexed to that belief; and therefore, if ever an universal religion should prevail, it will not be believing any thing new, but in getting rid of redundancies, and believing as man believed at first.
↗The Age of Reason, Parts I and II (1794-1795)gutenberg.org All 20 from this book
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Their wordsAdam, if ever there was such a man, was created a Deist; but in the mean time, let every man follow, as he has a right to do, the religion and worship he prefers.
↗The Age of Reason, Parts I and II (1794-1795)gutenberg.org All 20 from this book
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Their wordsIndependence is my happiness, and I view things as they are, without regard to place or person; my country is the world, and my religion is to do good.
↗Rights of Man (1791-1792)gutenberg.org All 22 from this book