The Jefferson Bible

About this book

Thomas Jefferson's carefully constructed selection of the teachings of Jesus, presented here in an illustrated edition that highlights both its moral focus and historical significance.In the early nineteenth century, Thomas Jefferson undertook a private study of the Gospels with the aim of distilling the ethical teachings of Jesus into a concise and coherent narrative. Using a literal cut-and-paste method, he removed passages he considered essential and arranged them into what became The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth, now commonly known as The Jefferson Bible. The result is a focused presentation of Jesus's teachings, emphasising moral philosophy and practical ethics rather than theological doctrine.This work offers insight not only into the teachings of Jesus but also into Jefferson's intellectual approach, reflecting Enlightenment ideals of reason, clarity, and ethical inquiry. Often regarded as a precursor to later "red letter" editions of the Bible, the text foregrounds the words and moral instruction of Christ in a form designed for direct engagement and reflection.This illustrated edition features twelve original illustrations by Robert Scott Crandall, created to complement and deepen the reading experience while maintaining the clarity and accessibility of Jefferson's text.