Thesis: Thomas Paine brings to light a new process of thought that arose in the Enlightenment. Instead of blindly believing religion, he asked questions and questioned the validity of certain aspects of religion, all the while maintaining a strong belief in some form of God.
I. Beliefs
a. Belief in One God, no more than one
i. Also hoped for some kind of happiness in life after
b. Equality of man
i. Religious duties consist of helping others and making the world a better place
II. Creeds of belief in churches
a. Paine does not believe in any creed of any church
b. Stresses the importance of formulating one’s own belief and not following blindly
III. Questions the divinity of many elements of common religion
a. Ten Commandments – good way to live life, but how do we know that Moses did not make them up
b. Mary the VIRGIN – one needs a little bit more proof than just some woman’s word that she had a baby without any cohabitation
Jesus as the son of God – common belief that Gods impregnated mortal woman in Classical tradition
Excellent summary Augie
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