The Jefferson Bible: The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth"Question with boldness even the existence of a god," Thomas Jefferson asserted, "because if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason than that of blindfolded fear." America's third president regarded Jesus as a moral guide rather than a divinity, and in The Jefferson Bible, he highlights Christ's ethical teachings from the Gospels. Discarding the scriptures' supernatural elements and dogma, this volume reflects the deist view of religion, focusing on Jesus' message of absolute love and service. Jefferson undertook his self-appointed task in 1794, consulting not only the King James Bible but also Greek, French, and Latin versions. He selected verses from the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, and arranged them in chronological order to form a single narrative. Although Jefferson shared his interpretation with friends and family, he declined to publish it, in keeping with his conviction that religion is a private matter—and also to avoid providing his political enemies with ammunition. Not until the turn of the twentieth century did the book appear in print, when it became a tradition to present it to new members of Congress. Unique and influential, this volume reflects not only the thinking of one of the nation's most brilliant statesmen, but also the ideology of the Enlightenment era. |
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... doctrines with those of others. International Standard Book Number ISBN-13: 978-0-486-44921-0 ISBN-10: 0-486-44921-1 Manufactured in the United States by Courier Corporation 44921104 www.doverpublications.com Heffe Preface N 1803 ...
... doctrines with those of others. International Standard Book Number ISBN-13: 978-0-486-44921-0 ISBN-10: 0-486-44921-1 Manufactured in the United States by Courier Corporation 44921104 www.doverpublications.com Heffe Preface N 1803 ...
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... doctrines , as given by Matthew , Mark , Luke and John ; being an abridg- ment of the New Testament for the use of the Indians , unem- barrassed with matters of fact or faith beyond the level of their comprehension . " In a letter to ...
... doctrines , as given by Matthew , Mark , Luke and John ; being an abridg- ment of the New Testament for the use of the Indians , unem- barrassed with matters of fact or faith beyond the level of their comprehension . " In a letter to ...
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... doctrines of Jesus with those of others, pre- pared in fulfillment of a promise made to Dr. Benjamin Rush. This paper, with the letter to Dr. Rush which accompanied it, is a fit introduction to the “Jefferson Bible.” Washington, April ...
... doctrines of Jesus with those of others, pre- pared in fulfillment of a promise made to Dr. Benjamin Rush. This paper, with the letter to Dr. Rush which accompanied it, is a fit introduction to the “Jefferson Bible.” Washington, April ...
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... DOCTRINES OF JESUS , COMPARED WITH THOSE OF OTHERS In a comparative view of the ethics of the enlightened nations of antiquity, of the Jews, and of Jesus, no notice should be taken of the corruptions of reason among the ancients, to wit ...
... DOCTRINES OF JESUS , COMPARED WITH THOSE OF OTHERS In a comparative view of the ethics of the enlightened nations of antiquity, of the Jews, and of Jesus, no notice should be taken of the corruptions of reason among the ancients, to wit ...
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... doctrines fell on unlettered and ignorant men; who wrote, too, from memory, and not till long after the transactions had passed. 3. According to the ordinary fate of those who attempt to enlighten and reform mankind, he fell an early ...
... doctrines fell on unlettered and ignorant men; who wrote, too, from memory, and not till long after the transactions had passed. 3. According to the ordinary fate of those who attempt to enlighten and reform mankind, he fell an early ...
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Common terms and phrases
adultery baptized Barabbas behold bidden Blessed brethren bringeth Caiaphas called cast chief priests cometh crucified Deism delivered doctrines doth earth evil faithful feast feet five talents forgive friends fruit Galilee give hand hath hear heart Herod high priest hypocrites Jefferson Jefferson Bible Jerusalem Jesus answered Jesus of Nazareth Jesus said unto Jews Judaea Judas Judas Iscariot judge kill king kingdom of God kingdom of heaven laid lest likewise Lord Master Moses mother multitude parable unto pass passover Peter Pilate pray Precepts prophets publicans received repent sabbath day saith unto say unto scribes and Pharisees sent servant sheep Simon Simon Peter sinners spake stood straightway synagogues tares temple thine things thou art thou hast thou shalt thy brother thy Father took unto thee Verily I say vineyard wash whatsoever Wherefore whosoever wife Woe unto woman yourselves Zacchaeus