Listen "Paine Writes 'The Age of Reason'"
Episode Synopsis
In this episode of the Noble American Lives Podcast, host Bill Benson reads from his second book 'The Parallel Lives of the Noble American Religious Thinkers and Believers.' The focus is on Chapter 15, which details Thomas Paine's rationale and motivations for writing 'The Age of Reason' during the Reign of Terror in France. The chapter dives deep into Paine's deist beliefs, his critique of organized religion, and the tumultuous historical context that influenced his writings. Paine's imprisonment during the Reign of Terror, his fear of the guillotine, and his eventual release are also discussed, providing a comprehensive look at both his philosophical thoughts and personal hardships during this critical period. (00:00) Introduction to the Podcast (00:18) Overview of the Books and Notable Figures (00:44) Subscription and Book Purchase Information (01:16) Roger Williams and Cotton Mather (02:46) Thomas Paine and George Whitefield (03:27) Thomas Paine's 'The Age of Reason' (04:26) The Reign of Terror and Dechristianization (08:03) Paine's Critique of Religion (31:32) Paine's Imprisonment and Struggles (33:09) Efforts for Paine's Release (40:21) Paine's Survival and Release
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