The Age of Reason by Thomas Paine (1794)

Preface

As a long-standing advocate for liberty and reason, I have undertaken this work not as a theologian, but as a citizen of the world. My object is simple: to examine religion through the lens of reason and to distinguish between true theology and the superstitions imposed by priestcraft.

I believe in one God, and no more; and I hope for happiness beyond this life. I do not believe in the creed professed by any church that I know of. My own mind is my own church.

Every national church or religion has established itself by some form of human power. They have been set up to terrify and enslave mankind, and monopolize power and profit. I do not mean to destroy religion, but to rescue it from the abuses of those who have corrupted it.

This work was begun in France during the height of the Revolution, at a time when my life was in danger. I wrote the first part under the daily expectation of death. That I survived to complete it is due to Providence, and I offer it now to the world as a testimony of my convictions.

Let no man be afraid of thinking. Let us not be cowards in the face of superstition. The world is my country, and to do good is my religion.