Paine, Jefferson, Adamses SG p. 1
fromThe Age of Reasonby Thomas Paine
Readings in American Literature pp. 73-74
1. What does Thomas Paine consider his “religious duties” to be?
2. How does Paine define “church”?
3. What does he say about “national institutions of churches” (i.e., established state churches)?
4. How does Paine feel about those whose beliefs differ from his own?
5. How does Paine define “infidelity”?
6. What does Paine say regarding Jesus Christ and Christ’s system of morality?
7. What does Paine say is “required of” something which everyone is required to believe? In other words, what does it take to make Paine believe that a thing is true or real and every person should accept it as such?
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From Notes on the State of Virginiaby Thomas Jefferson
Readings in American Literature p. 75
Put in your own words what Jefferson has to say about (a) religious persecution and (b) freedom of religion in the above excerpt.
From the Letters of Abigail and John Adams
Readings in American Literature pp. 76-77
[note: original spelling and grammatical irregularities have been retained]
1. In the letter to her husband, what does Adams say she wants the new Code of Laws to do?
Did the Constitution end up doing what she wanted? At first? Eventually? Explain
2. Why is her statement that “all men would be tyrants if they could” a faulty argument?
3. According to Abigail Adams, what do the women plan to do if their demands aren’t met? Did they ever do this? Explain.
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4. What does Abigail Adams say some men – those who “wish to be happy”– are willing to do?
Where have we previously seen the idea that men are naturally “masters” or “tyrannical” in European-American culture?
5. In John Adams’ reply to his wife’s letter, which other groups besides women does he mention, and what seems to be his view of these people?
What might he have meant by, “We have only the Name of Masters”—why might he have regarded himself as “master” in name only?
6. What does Abigail Adams say that the law should do to protect women?
Who else in society might need such protection (just look at John Adams’ reply if you want some ideas)?
Why weren’t these groups able to take full advantage of the democratic process in the Adams’s time?
Are any of them still unable to do so? Explain.