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 20
... , and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. 28. Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver 20 THOMAS JEFFERSON.
... , and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. 28. Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver 20 THOMAS JEFFERSON.
Page 21
... thine oaths: 37. But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: 38. Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool:neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. 39. Neither shalt thou swear by ...
... thine oaths: 37. But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: 38. Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool:neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. 39. Neither shalt thou swear by ...
Page 22
... 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 may be the children of your Father which is ...
... 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 may be the children of your Father which is ...
Page 23
... thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. 67. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 68. But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive ...
... thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. 67. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 68. But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive ...
Page 24
... thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. 76. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! 77. No man can serve two ...
... thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. 76. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! 77. No man can serve two ...
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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