A Bible Lesson With Thomas Paine

Thomas Paine was one of America’s most visionary Founders. He emigrated from England with the help of Benjamin Franklin. His pamphlet Common Sense inspired his countrymen to accept that separation from England was inevitable, that the time for Revolution was upon them. Paine's pamphlets on The American Crisis so bolstered spirits that General Washington ordered them read to the troops. Their opening words: “These are the times that try men's souls” became a battle cry of the American Revolution, inspiring the outnumbered patriots to victory over superior British forces. It was later said that Independence had been achieved equally by the sword of Washington and the pen of Paine.

His pamphlet The Age of Reason is one of the most important works ever done relative to the historical chronology of the Bible. The first part, written while he was in prison, stemmed from his concern over the intertwining of religion and politics, the latter using the former to gain power over the people. The controversy and condemnation for questioning long-held beliefs caused Paine's writings to lie dormant for 200 years. They are now studied widely. A professed believer in God and in the hereafter and more in harmony with the Laws of Nature and Deism, Paine believed that, "When opinions are free, either in matters of government or religion, truth will finally and powerfully prevail."