During Paine's time, at appears anyone who was not a Christian or other recoznizable religion (such as Islam) was called an atheist. The meaning of the term has changed since then. So by current usage, he would not be an atheist. However, a Deist is still not a Christian. Period.
<< But they, for the most part, recognized where morality, humility, goodness, etc etc comes from, and it was not in self but from God. >>
So are you implying atheists, agnostics, and Buddhists have no "morality, humility, goodness"? I think you are going to find that a bit difficult to defend.
<< And it is THAT reason you have freedom to choose NOT to worship. Not becasue any were trying to deny their
faith. >>
Actually, it was more so that other Christians did not force their beliefs on them. They had seen this happen in Europe and were not impressed. |
