Final answer:
Paine argues that Christianity, in regard to education, has been used as a means of control and manipulation, particularly by slaveholding churches. Historically, education has been closely tied to religious reform movements, with early Christian reformers emphasizing the importance of education for moral and social progress. The Puritans in America also prioritized education to ensure people could read the Bible and understand Christian principles.
Step-by-step explanation:
Paine argues that Christianity, in regard to education, has been used as a means of controlling and manipulating people rather than fostering true religious and moral values. He criticizes the slaveholding churches in particular, condemning their hypocrisy and the blatant contradictions between their actions and the teachings of Christianity. Paine differentiates between the corrupt form of Christianity practiced in his time and the pure and peaceable Christianity of Christ.
Historically, education has been closely tied to religious reform movements. Early Christian reformers, such as the leaders of the Christian Reformation, viewed education as essential for moral and social progress. They believed that education enabled people to read and understand religious texts, contributing to their spiritual development and salvation.
Furthermore, the Puritans in America emphasized the importance of education for all individuals to qualify for church membership. They established schools and universities, such as Harvard, to ensure that people could read the Bible and understand Christian principles. However, religion has also been used to justify slavery and other oppressive practices, leading to Paine's critique of the slaveholding churches.