‘Common Sense’ at 250 years old

They say the exception proves the rule. Thomas Paine was a Founding Father who later in life became a complete skeptic. Most of America’s founders were professing Trinitarian Christians. Dozens of them had the equivalent of a seminary degree. Paine was an exception, not the rule.

Thomas Paine was not a typical Founding Father. A former Quaker who came from England, Paine proved to be an excellent writer.

He played a positive role in the American cause by writing “Common Sense,” which celebrates its 250th birthday this year.