The Jefferson Bible: The Life and Morals of Jesus of NazarethCourier Corporation, 2012 M03 2 - 96 pages "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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Page 19
... unto him: 2. And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, 3. Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the ... say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in ...
... unto him: 2. And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, 3. Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the ... say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in ...
Page 20
... say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 22. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called ...
... say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 22. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called ...
Page 21
... into prison. 29. Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing. 30. ¶ Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: 31. But I say unto ...
... into prison. 29. Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing. 30. ¶ Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: 31. But I say unto ...
Page 22
... said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 47. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 48. That ye ...
... said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 47. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 48. That ye ...
Page 23
... say unto you, They have their reward. 59. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. 60 ...
... say unto you, They have their reward. 59. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. 60 ...
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began behold Blessed body brethren brother brought called cast chief priests clothed cometh commanded delivered departed disciples doctrines earth enter evil faithful Father fear feast feet fell field five followed friends fruit Galilee gave give hand hath head hear heard heart hour hypocrites Jerusalem Jesus answered Jews John judge kill king kingdom of heaven laid lest light likewise Lord Master meat mother multitude named Parable pass Peter Pharisees Pilate pray Precepts prophets received rich saith unto say unto scribes seed seek sent servant sheep Simon sinners spake stood taken talents taught tell temple thee thine things thou hast thou shalt thought took Verily I say vineyard wash whatsoever whosoever wife witness Woe unto woman yourselves