The proclamation of a Goddess of Reason represented a radical shift in the French Republic's relationship with religion during the period of the Reign of Terror. Under the guidance of figures like Pierre Gaspard Chaumette, the revolutionary government sought to enhance the importance of reason over the traditional religious dogma that had dominated French society for centuries. On this occasion, the National Convention, meeting in Paris, officially endorsed the concept of worshipping Reason in a public ceremony that included symbolic rituals designed to inspire civic morality and loyalty to the revolutionary ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity.

The ceremony itself was a grand affair, held in the former Cathedral of Notre-Dame, where revolutionary leaders sought to display the triumph of Enlightenment thought over superstition. During the event, a statue of the Goddess of Reason was unveiled, signifying the new civic devotion to reason as a supreme value. The gathering was marked by enthusiasm from the attending citizens, who participated in the newly minted ritual, thereby reinforcing the revolutionary collective identity. Chaumette and other supporters believed that such acts would motivate citizens to prioritize the ideologies underpinning the Revolution, effectively integrating Enlightenment values into the fabric of daily life.

This event also reflected the broader ideological battle occurring throughout France during the Revolution, as factions within the National Convention debated the future of religion and spirituality in public life. The worship of Reason was not merely a cultural initiative; it was a direct challenge to the established Church, aiming to diminish its influence over the citizens of France. Consequently, the proclamation of the Goddess of Reason can be seen as a significant moment in the struggle to redefine morality and civic responsibility against a backdrop of violence and extreme political turmoil.