Jefferson and the Bible

Essay # 6282

History > U.S. Presidency
Religion and Theology > The Bible

A study of Thomas Jefferson's writings and his view on the Bible.

1,555 words () | 4 sources | MLA | 2002 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper explores founding father Thomas Jefferson's unique ideas when it came to religion, and more specifically the Bible. Jefferson's own words and the words of several other experts on the subject are used to back up the main points of the paper.

From the Paper:

"Thomas Jefferson is quoted as saying in 1814, "Our particular principles of religion are a subject of accountability to [the Almighty] alone. I inquire after no man's, and trouble none with mine," (Coates). These words exemplify his views on religion, and more specifically the Bible. Jefferson saw that people had a tendency to confuse religion with God; that is, confusing the words of the four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, with those of Jesus or God. As such, he decided to write his own version of the bible, known popularly as the "Jefferson Bible," removing all the words he did not believe came directly from Jesus. One of Jefferson's main concerns had always been the rights of the people, and he realized that his religious beliefs were his own alone, and that others had the natural and equal right to determine what God meant to them personally, and what should be done in the worshiping of Him."