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 9
... things among the Jews, Jesus appeared. His parentage was obscure; his condition poor; his education null; his natural endowments great; his life correct and innocent. He was meek, benevolent, patient, firm, disinterested, and of the ...
... things among the Jews, Jesus appeared. His parentage was obscure; his condition poor; his education null; his natural endowments great; his life correct and innocent. He was meek, benevolent, patient, firm, disinterested, and of the ...
Page 14
... things according to the law of the Lord , they returned into Galilee , to their own city Nazareth . AND III . At Twelve Years of Age He Accompanies his Parents to Jerusalem and Returns ND the child grew , and waxed strong in spirit ...
... things according to the law of the Lord , they returned into Galilee , to their own city Nazareth . AND III . At Twelve Years of Age He Accompanies his Parents to Jerusalem and Returns ND the child grew , and waxed strong in spirit ...
Page 16
... things hence ; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise . VII . He Baptizes , but Retires into Galilee on the Death of John FTER these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land A of Judaea , and there he tarried with ...
... things hence ; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise . VII . He Baptizes , but Retires into Galilee on the Death of John FTER these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land A of Judaea , and there he tarried with ...
Page 23
... things ye have need of, before ye ask him. 62. After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 63. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 64. Give us this day our ...
... things ye have need of, before ye ask him. 62. After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 63. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 64. Give us this day our ...
Page 24
... things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 86. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteous- ness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 87. Take therefore no ...
... things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 86. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteous- ness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 87. Take therefore no ...
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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