Common Sense, the Rights of Man and Other Essential Writings of Thomas Paine

Rating:
Summary: One of America's Most Misunderstood Founders.....
Review: ... Thomas Paine is one of our Nation's most misunderstood Founders. 'The Rights of Man,' contrary to public misunderstanding (usually by those who have not read it in it's entirety), bears out that Paine in fact *did* believe in a Divine entity, quoted directly from the Bible throughout the Essay, and had a near-encyclopedic understanding of the New Testament. His criticisms were of organized religion and how *men* had used it to corrupt the very idea of an afterlife and the ideas of faith. The publication of "Common Sense," most forget, was one of the most important causes of the American Revolution. Often derided even in his own time, Paine reminds us that those who speak ideas that cause painful debate are at the heart of our Nation's Ideals.

Rating:
Summary: One of America's Most Misunderstood Founders.....
Review: ... Thomas Paine is one of our Nation's most misunderstood Founders. 'The Rights of Man,' contrary to public misunderstanding (usually by those who have not read it in it's entirety), bears out that Paine in fact *did* believe in a Divine entity, quoted directly from the Bible throughout the Essay, and had a near-encyclopedic understanding of the New Testament. His criticisms were of organized religion and how *men* had used it to corrupt the very idea of an afterlife and the ideas of faith. The publication of "Common Sense," most forget, was one of the most important causes of the American Revolution. Often derided even in his own time, Paine reminds us that those who speak ideas that cause painful debate are at the heart of our Nation's Ideals.

Rating:
Summary: 2 stars for his bravery at such a book, none for the content
Review: I have not read any of Thomas Paines books but I do believe that what he has written about christianity was written without any knowlege of christianity. They said he wrote that book without even having a bible on hand. Some can call me a religous fanatic but I will not stand for people who believe we started in a pond to bash on religions they have no understanding of. It breaks my heart that such an interesting and intellegent man could push away the one and only trye belief that would have given him eternal life. I shall pray for all of those who agree with that man. Don't be so hard inside. Open your heart and your mind....You may say give me proof and I will believe. The only proof I can give you is my own prayers that have been answered and my own true experiences. God bless all...

Rating:
Summary: 2 stars for his bravery at such a book, none for the content
Review: Thomas Paine's clear and concise writings make him one of the greatest political authors of his time. Basic thoughts of freedom and democracy, that seem so common place nowadays, were brought about because of Paines "radical" ideas. His books Common Sense and The Rights of Man were written not just for the political philosopher but also for the common man. Both the aforementioned books played a big part in the American and French Revolutions.

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Summary: One who knows will for certain prevail over one who believes
Review: Thomas Paine, in short, was brilliant! Looking to the evidence of nature for the existnce of God and not to man made/altered doctrines that have caused 98% of the wars ever fought, and 90% of the deaths ever claimed by war. Why should we as humans push aside the only life that we know for sure we will have in hope for another.What you see is what you get, is as far as it goes; at least that is all we know for sure. Faith is good, I do say that, but when Faith starts pushing reality to the side is when we have a problem.

Rating:
Summary: One who knows will for certain prevail over one who believes
Review: Thomas Paine, in short, was brilliant! Looking to the evidence of nature for the existnce of God and not to man made/altered doctrines that have caused 98% of the wars ever fought, and 90% of the deaths ever claimed by war. Why should we as humans push aside the only life that we know for sure we will have in hope for another.What you see is what you get, is as far as it goes; at least that is all we know for sure. Faith is good, I do say that, but when Faith starts pushing reality to the side is when we have a problem.