The Jefferson Bible

By: Thomas Jefferson

Narrated by: Mel Foster

In the early 19th century, Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States and the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, conceived the idea of extracting a gospel purified of what he saw as extraneous philosophical, mythological, and theological elements. To do so, he took verses from the four canonical gospels and arranged them into a single narrative, focusing on the actual words of Jesus. This work was never published during Jefferson's lifetime but was inherited by his grandson and printed for the first time in the early 20th century. The original bound manuscript, popularly referred to as The Jefferson Bible, is held by the United States National Museum in Washington.

Public Domain (P)2010 Tantor

Critic reviews

"[A] fascinating document, telling us a great deal about a great 18th-century mind and its world." (Charles S. Adams, Religious Studies Review)

Good read

Good to see what Jefferson thought was important in the Bible. Is a good summary of the story as a whole

Not a fan

This wasn't for me personally, but I can't say it was bad because of that. Maybe it's for you.

Everyone should hear this book

An incredible account of Jesus' life unadulterated by the commentary of others. Salvation straight from the holy horses mouth transcribed by the man America trusts the most. A phenomenal work of spiritual philosophy to be read by all seekers.

If people only knew

If only more people knew about this, and the true beliefs of our founding fathers! Great read!

A bit flat.

The reader seems to hurry through the material without inspiration or any sense of history or character. Perhaps Mr. Foster was thinking that Mr. Jefferson would have preferred it this way. It makes it all a bit dry. He reads like a fellow who is paid by the word. Great to fall asleep to - (even while driving!)