Is it not a species of blasphemy to call the New Testament revealed religion, when we see in it such contradictions and absurdities.

In this quote, Thomas Paine critiques the concept of revealed religion, particularly in relation to the New Testament. Paine, a prominent Enlightenment thinker and Deist, questions the integrity and authenticity of religious texts that claim to be divinely inspired. He points to the contradictions and absurdities he perceives within the New Testament, suggesting that it cannot truly be considered a divine revelation if it contains inconsistencies and irrational elements. This critique reflects Paine’s belief that religion should be rational and consistent, not based on dogma or questionable historical claims.

Paine’s view aligns with his broader philosophical stance as an advocate for reason and scientific thinking. He was highly critical of traditional religious institutions and doctrines that, in his view, conflicted with reason and empirical evidence. In works such as The Age of Reason, Paine argued that true religion should be based on the natural world and the moral teachings that can be observed in human experience, rather than relying on scriptures that could be flawed or manipulated over time.

The origin of this quote lies in Paine’s writings during the late 18th century, a period of intellectual upheaval and religious skepticism. As part of the Age of Enlightenment, thinkers like Paine sought to challenge traditional religious authority and promote a more rational, scientific approach to understanding the universe. His critique of the New Testament as a revelation was part of a broader effort to reform religion by removing the influence of superstition and unsubstantiated beliefs.

Ultimately, Paine’s quote serves as a challenge to those who accept religious texts without critical examination. It questions the validity of claims about divine inspiration in the face of apparent contradictions, urging readers to approach religious beliefs with reason and rationality. Paine’s position is that true religion should be clear, logical, and based on the principles of human understanding and experience, rather than blind faith in questionable scriptures.