Listen "The Age of Reason, Part 2"
Episode Synopsis
The Age of Reason: Thomas Paine's Critique of Religious Texts - Part 2 In Episode 50 of the Noble American Lives Podcast, Bill Benson continues his reading from 'The Parallel Lives of the Noble American Religious Thinkers and Believers, Thomas Paine vs. George Whitefield.' This episode delves into Chapter 16, 'The Age of Reason, Part 2,' where Thomas Paine critiques the Bible's consistency and authenticity. Paine's analysis covers the Old and New Testaments, questioning the credibility of biblical writers and the plausibility of miraculous events. Paine's criticisms focus on historical inaccuracies, internal contradictions, and the morality depicted in these religious texts. (00:57) Overview of the First Book (01:20) Roger Williams and Cotton Mather (02:19) Imaginary Group Discussion (02:49) Introduction to the Second Book (03:15) Thomas Paine's Biography (03:44) The Age of Reason, Part 2 (04:33) Thomas Paine's Critique of the Bible (07:48) Paine's Analysis of the New Testament (30:02) Paine's Conclusion on Revealed Religion (33:04) Publication and Reception of The Age of Reason
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