Meaning: This quote by Thomas Paine, an influential writer and intellectual figure during the American and French Revolutions, challenges the notion of the New Testament as a revealed religion by highlighting what he perceives as contradictions and absurdities within it. Thomas Paine was known for his critical and skeptical approach to organized religion and his advocacy for reason and rationality. In this quote, he raises important questions about the nature of religious texts and the implications of labeling them as "revealed" or divine.

Paine's criticism of the New Testament as "revealed religion" reflects his overall skepticism towards traditional religious dogma and the concept of divine revelation. He questions the validity of attributing the text to a divine source, suggesting that the presence of contradictions and absurdities within it is incongruent with the idea of a coherent and divinely inspired scripture. By using the term "blasphemy," Paine is deliberately provoking a strong reaction and challenging the established religious authority of his time.

Paine's perspective on the New Testament aligns with his broader philosophical stance on religion and reason. Throughout his writings, Paine advocated for the use of reason and critical thinking to challenge traditional beliefs and institutions, including organized religion. He was a proponent of Deism, a rationalist movement that rejected supernatural elements of religion and emphasized the importance of natural laws and human reason in understanding the world.

It is important to consider the historical context in which Paine's quote was written. The late 18th century was a period of significant intellectual and philosophical upheaval, marked by the Age of Enlightenment and the rise of scientific rationalism. Paine's critique of the New Testament can be seen as part of a broader movement towards challenging traditional religious authority and promoting a more rational and evidence-based approach to understanding the world.

From a literary and theological perspective, Paine's criticism of the New Testament raises fundamental questions about the nature of religious texts and their interpretation. The presence of contradictions and absurdities within the New Testament has been a subject of scholarly debate for centuries, with theologians and scholars offering various explanations and interpretations to reconcile apparent inconsistencies.

Paine's quote also highlights the ongoing tension between faith and reason, a theme that has been central to discussions about religion and philosophy. The idea of a revealed religion implies a belief in divine intervention and supernatural communication, whereas Paine's skepticism underscores the importance of critical inquiry and intellectual scrutiny when approaching religious texts.

In conclusion, Thomas Paine's quote challenges the traditional understanding of the New Testament as a revealed religion by drawing attention to what he perceives as contradictions and absurdities within it. His critical stance reflects broader philosophical and intellectual shifts towards rationalism and skepticism during the Enlightenment era. Paine's perspective serves as a reminder of the ongoing dialogue between faith and reason, and the complexities involved in interpreting religious texts.