The Jefferson Bible

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In his retirement, Thomas Jefferson edited the New Testament, removing all miracles and supernatural events to present Jesus as a great moral teacher rather than a divine figure. Inspired by Enlightenment ideals, Jefferson aimed to reconcile Christian tradition with reason. Peter Manseau explores the story of the Jefferson Bible, highlighting how each generation has reinterpreted it, reflecting on Jefferson's legacy and the role of religion in American life. Completed in 1820 and rediscovered in the late nineteenth century after being lost for decades, Jefferson's altered scripture has held various meanings. Some view it as evidence of America's Christian foundations, while others see it as a testament to the Founders' desire to diminish the influence of faith. Manseau delves into Jefferson's personal beliefs and the philosophical influences that led him to revise the Gospels. He situates the Jefferson Bible within the broader quest for the historical Jesus and examines its impact on American religious debates regarding scripture interpretation. Additionally, Manseau recounts the intrigue surrounding its loss and rediscovery, tracing its reception history from its planned 1904 printing for Congress members to its ongoing ability to provoke thought and inspire today.