Deism Information
Deist Archives
The Archives include information about Deism from all eras, listed topically.

Classical Deism. The works listed below are important for understanding the foundations of Deism:

 

Matthew Tindal - Christianity as Old as the Creation. Tindal saw Christianity as natural religion containing much truth, but he rejects Trinitarian beliefs, and claims of special revelation must be tested by reason. Two versions are available here. Steve Dowell's transcription is the best way to read the first 12 chapters. Turn to the original to read the last two chapters.

 

Henry Dodwell - Christianity Not Founded on Argument. Dodwell is not an easy read. A reasoned criticism of Christianity. A .pdf is provided.

 

Ethan Allen - Reason, the Only Oracle of Man, also called Oracles of Reason by Allen. This book is a key work in American Deism. Note that the foundation of the book was probably written by Dr. Thomas Young. Most of the basic principles of Classical Deism are laid out in this book. The 1854 publication is available here, as well as my modernization. You will find the modernization much easier to read.

 

Thomas Paine - Age of Reason is probably the best-known work in Deism. It is a must-read for those interested in Deism. The original is found here. Here is also a link to Steve Dowell's modernization. You can purchase a hard copy of Steve's modernization through the Positive Deism site.

 

Elihu Palmer - Principles of Nature was an attempt to take Deism away from its roots in Christianity. Palmer lectured widely and tried to found a Deist church (without much success). The transcription here is by Steve Dowell and Jay Boswell. Also available through Google Books is Prospect, or View of the Moral World by Palmer. It is a free download.

The works listed here are just a beginning. This section will grow a great deal over time as I find the best versions of important works and archive them here.

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