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. |
From inside the book
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Page 7
... give you my views of it. They are the result of a life of inquiry and reflection, and very different from that Anti-Christian system imputed to me by those who know nothing of my opinions. To the corrup- tions of christianity I am ...
... give you my views of it. They are the result of a life of inquiry and reflection, and very different from that Anti-Christian system imputed to me by those who know nothing of my opinions. To the corrup- tions of christianity I am ...
Page 8
... give no example of concession, betraying the right of independent opinion by answering questions of faith, which the laws have left between God and himself. Accept my affectionate salutations. * * * * * * SYLLABUS OF AN ESTIMATE OF THE ...
... give no example of concession, betraying the right of independent opinion by answering questions of faith, which the laws have left between God and himself. Accept my affectionate salutations. * * * * * * SYLLABUS OF AN ESTIMATE OF THE ...
Page 17
... give it thee. 9. And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom. 10. And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist ...
... give it thee. 9. And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom. 10. And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist ...
Page 21
... give her a writing of divorcement: 35. But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced com- mitteth adultery ...
... give her a writing of divorcement: 35. But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced com- mitteth adultery ...
Page 22
... Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. 46. ¶ Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 47. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless ...
... Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. 46. ¶ Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 47. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless ...
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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