Age of Reason Summary and Analysis

In Age of Reason, Paine allows himself to express his long held beliefs and opinions on religion. The author was well known for advocating freedom of religion, stating that any man who denies another this choice creates for himself a prison, for he will never be permitted to change his own mind.

Paine holds a belief in God, hoping for a joyful afterlife. The author also believes in the equality of man, that each person should strive to make the world a happy and harmonious place.

Paine does not subscribe to any particular church but that of his own mind. In the formation of other churches, such as the Roman church, the Turkish church, or the Jewish church, Paine believes that there was a sacrifice of freedom, that all churches hold its members captive in a type of mental slavery. In...