How do you feel about the Jefferson Bible?

Question

In case you weren't aware, Thomas Jefferson took it upon himself to create a book entitled "The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth."  In it, he took segments from each of the four gospels to assemble a single narrative without any reference to the Trinity, Jesus' divinity or resurrection, or any other supernatural aspect.  In essence, he stripped the New Testament down to Jesus' moral teachings without all the miracles and resurrections and whatnot.

I personally find it to be a much more worthwhile read than the Bible, although I am an atheist.  How about you?

Fierce · Accepted Answer

I agree with you.  A "How to live your life" book is much more useful than a "How to worship...." book.

eric w · Answer

I've never read it, but I hear its what the bible should be.  Well is, without all the santa, easter bunny stuff thrown in.
Don't get me wrong, there are some good moral values and lessons in the bible.  There is a bunch of $hi^ too.  Eliminate the crap, the super natural BS and the hatred and you got a pretty good book.  (though it would probably not be a book but a pamphlet at that point) :P

? · Answer

I like it and have read it a couple times.  Another thing I like about Jefferson is that he recognized that the "apostle" Paul was the, " First corrupter of the doctrine of Jesus".  There is a very similar work online called The Teachings of Jesus of Nazareth that's pretty good too.

Anonymous · Answer

In my opinion, the Bible's primary value is in the fact that it has had probably more influence on the (western) culture at large  than any other publication...ever.  There are Biblical allusions throughout our history from the Arthurian Cycle to the writings of modern authors, not to mention its impact on art, law, etc.

When you start editing it down, you lose that.  There are better stories and better philosophical/ethics texts out there.

Ray H · Answer

An atheist who enjoys learning about morals, will wonders never cease?

I am just teasing, I think if you find it to be interesting or informative in any way then his revisions have served a purpose.

? · Answer

No care in the world to read the book of  man as morally and emotionally conflicted as him.

The slave holder who wrote ....All men are created equal.  I wonder if his slaves enjoyed that unalienable right of Liberty

Mark T · Answer

If it does not relate to the miracle of the Cross then it is worthless. It can't be the bible since the bible is God's inerrant word...Now as a book on morals it is OK. But the bible is the most exact book on morals, business, sex, guidance ever written. God Bless you even if you don't believe in him.

Anonymous · Answer

I took it upon myself to rewrite Jefferson's book, but without reference to banging your slaves.

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How do you feel about the Jefferson Bible?

8 Answers