Reason, The Only Oracle of Man

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Gutenberg ID

—

Title

Reason, The Only Oracle of Man

Language

en

Book source

Global Grey

Description max 80 words

Ethan Allen's 1785 treatise argues that reason and moral judgment must guide human belief, rejecting superstition and rigid dogma. Written by a revolutionary hero and deist, this work champions natural religion, urging readers to rely on evidence and logic rather than priestly authority or miraculous claims.

Summary up to 500 words

In 'Reason, The Only Oracle of Man,' Colonel Ethan Allen presents a vigorous defense of natural religion, arguing that true faith must be rooted in observable natural laws and human reason rather than supernatural revelation. Allen begins by establishing the existence of a supreme, self-existent cause through the order and complexity of the universe. He asserts that attributing divinity to physical objects, such as the sun, is a primitive error born of ignorance. Allen systematically critiques the concept of prophecy, labeling biblical predictions as vague, contradictory, and often fulfilled by chance or natural events rather than divine intervention. He specifically targets the Book of Joshua, noting the astronomical impossibility of the sun standing still, and dismisses the Book of Revelation for its nonsensical time calculations, such as the phrase 'time, times, and half a time,' which he argues is logically incoherent. Furthermore, Allen attacks the doctrines of original sin and the necessity of priestly intermediaries. He argues that human nature is not inherently depraved and that salvation depends on virtue rather than divine election or special grace. Throughout the text, he emphasizes that morality is an intrinsic good derived from eternal truth, not merely an arbitrary command of God's will. Allen concludes that all revealed religions are impostures because they contradict one another and fail the test of reason. The work serves as a call for readers to shed their prejudices and embrace a faith based on logic, justice, and the inherent dignity of the human mind. By addressing the reason of mankind rather than their passions, Allen seeks to reclaim religion from superstition and false dogma, promoting a system of belief that aligns with the progressive understanding of nature and truth.

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4.2/5

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Categories

• Religion
• Philosophy