I’m looking forward to watching this page grow over time as I get questions.
Q: Why did you update Thomas Jefferson’s bible?
A: There are a number of reasons. Let me give you the top two.
1) I’m a writer, and I took it as a writing challenge. The nearly-Shakespearean King James Version (KJV) is very comforting to many people, but I often find that it turns off many people who would otherwise be interested in the subject. The New Testament has many translations and revisions available in modern English, but derivative works such as this do not get that same consideration. After 200 years, I felt it could use an update.
2) It can really help people. While Christians look at me funny when I try to explain this project, it is an attempt to get more people interested in a historical Jesus that is more approachable – without the distractions that Jefferson clearly felt were added in by the early church fathers. I don’t know if they were added in or if they actually happened – that’s the real question of faith – but I feel the simple messages of Jesus have a resounding impact in life today if you let them.
Q: Why did you self-publish?
A: Why not? Actually the publishing and marketing end of this project has taken far longer than the length of my patience. It would have been extremely tough to deal with a series of potential agents, potential publishers, and potential progress. This way I retain more control, and keep the costs down.
