Compare and contrast your personal worldview with Thomas Paine’s personal statement in “The Age of Reason.”
In his text, Paine outlines his worldview on religion, morality, creation, the canon, kindness and cruelty, and mystery and miracles. As you read and make written comments on Paine’s statement of belief, you will begin to notice clear similarities and differences in your personal worldview. For instance, whereas Paine rejects the institutions of churches as “human inventions, set up to terrify and enslave mankind” (Paine, p. 95), I am more inclined to accept the formal organization of religion (church) under the authority and admonition of a plurality of leadership. Therefore, I would not agree with Paine’s assertion that organized churches are often constructed to “monopolize power and profit” (Paine, p. 95). In this situation, I differ (contrast) from Paine’s worldview. However, when Paine states that he is free to believe or to not believe a particular point of faith, I am in complete agreement. That is, we have a similarity in our view of belief or unbelief as an act freely available to every person.
As you work on this comparison, you will begin to see Paine’s and your own worldview in movies, books, and even conversations.
Use a sheet of paper with two columns titled “similarities” and “differences” to help you uncover those elements in Paine’s “Age of Reason” and your personal worldview. As you compare and contrast these worldviews, make a list of both categories. After you have completed the exercise, evaluate the author, publication, and purpose of the Paine reading.
Read: “The Age of Reason,” pgs. 94-108, ITW.
Read: “Coherence,” pgs. 39-43, ITW.
Use your list to draft an essay where you compare and contrast your personal worldview with Paine’s ideas in “Age of Reason.”
Because this is an “essay,” utilize the five-paragraph essay format. Introduction/thesis, at least three body paragraphs (you may have more), and a conclusion.
Because this is a compare and contrast with your worldview, you may use “I” statements, but do not overuse them. Never use “you” in any essay.
Your draft should be 3-4 pages in length and include an introduction and conclusion (800-1000 words).
Utilize the APA format – have a title page, in-text citations, and a proper Reference page. Try not to use outside sources for this other than the Bible. Use the reading to support your stance.
Example thesis: “In the “Age of Reason” by Paine, he believes that ____________, ___________, and ______________ are true which I disagree with. Then you would expound what he believes versus what you believe in each body paragraph. Don’t just say you disagree, say why.
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