Review of “Common Sense” by Thomas Paine, and other musings

First published in January of 1776, Common Sense was the pamphlet that lit the flame of the American Revolution. Up until it’s publication, the general public had reservations about severing ties with Britain. There remained in the hearts of many citizens a hope for reconciliation with the Mother Country, despite the atrocities committed by King George III. However, Thomas Paine points to the many dangers sustaining a connection with Britain could bring, and the importance of action at that present time rather than putting off the responsibility to posterity.

I enjoyed this read. In many ways, the political tumult during the American Revolution parallels those currently affecting the country. I understand these are vastly different times than two hundred and forty-five years ago, but as the Bible says, “there is no new thing under the sun” Ecclesiastes 1:9 KJV. It’s our civic duty as Americans to understand our nation’s history in order to preserve the Judeo-Christian values it was founded upon. That makes sense, doesn’t it? Knowing more about what you’re defending will make its worth more valuable.

Thomas Paine talks of the oppression of the British crown, pointing to the fact that decisions were being made without respect to the opinion of those in the American colonies. In essence, Paine was putting into words and onto paper what most colonists were thinking but too afraid to speak of. The Stamp Act of 1765 caused many colonists to begin seriously examining their circumstances; but after the Boston Massacre in 1770, six years prior to the publication of Common Sense, perhaps many people feared what a rebellion from the crown could bring. After all, Britain was the most powerful empire in the world at that time. But Paine points out that if America remains as a subject of Great Britain, she will be an enemy to Britain’s enemies as well, thereby squelching any possibility of profitable trade with the nations of Europe and beyond. Paine puts it much more eloquently than I, but as children mature and need to create lives of their own, America needed to be removed from under the jurisdiction of Britain in order to thrive.

I’m delighted that I was finally able to read this book. My mother was a history teacher during part of my childhood, so I grew up deeply appreciating our American rights and heritage. Not only that, but growing up in a Christian home solidified my patriotism for America; for I firmly believe God placed a burning desire within the hearts of the men and women of the late 1700s and early 1800s to create a nation in which all people could have religious freedom and freedom of speech. The idea is still alive in the hearts of many people in America today. The only difference now is that many have lost sight of the One who makes our freedoms possible — the only One who can give us freedom in our hearts no mater where we live. As 2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV states, “If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I[God] hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” Now more than ever as we endeavor to preserve the American way of life, we must couple that with the more pressing desire to spread the gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ.

I’m thankful to have the opportunity to share my thoughts on this blog, whether it be about a book or any relevant topic. I pray that the right of all Americans to speak freely, regardless of belief system or political affiliation, will not be infringed upon. As a firm believer in the Risen Savior and the power of prayer, I will continue to pray for our nation and trust God for the outcome. I hope you will do the same, and I pray everyone has a joyful, peaceful, and safe Easter weekend.

Jesus loves you, and so do I! Happy reading!