The Jefferson Bible A uniquely attractive, compact edition of Thomas Jefferson's classic abridgment of the Bible, in which Jefferson sculpted the words and ideas of Christ into a resounding moral philosophy. "To the corruptions of Christianity I am indeed opposed; but not to the genuine precepts of Jesus himself." -Thomas Jefferson, 1803 With these words, written to a personal friend, Thomas Jefferson began one of the most audacious religious experiments in American history. On and off for the next seventeen years (including his term in the White House), Jefferson cut and pasted the philosophy of Jesus Christ, as recorded in Scripture, into one compact statement. He purposefully omitted any references to the virgin birth, miraculous healings, demonic possession, or supernatural events of any kind. His aim was to distinguish the moral philosophy of Christ from the religion that was later created around Christ. This hardcover replica of The Jefferson Bible restores to print a handsome, immensely accessible version of Jefferson's manifesto as it was published for general readers in 1940 by Grosset & Dunlap. This volume includes the original 1940 foreword by editor Douglas E. Lurton, which provides an engaging introduction to the history behind Jefferson's effort. Jefferson's selections are beautifully recomposed in a dignifi ed yet pleasing style for a gem of compactness and clarity. |
From inside the book
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... called his “little book” The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth. In 1902, the book was reset and issued by a Chicago press, and two years later it was published by Congress-and for several years thereafter was presented as a gift to ...
... called Jefferson Bible issued by the government printing office was secured by my father through the good offices of my grandfather , the late Congressman Clinton Babbitt . One Sunday while I was still very young , in response to my ...
... called Bethlehem (because he was of the house and lineage of David): to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered ...
... called unto him his. disciples; and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named Apostles: Simon, (whom he also named Peter), and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alpheus ...
... called the children of God . Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness ' sake : For theirs is the kingdom of heaven . shall revile you , and persecute you , and shall say Blessed are ye when men shall revile all manner of ...