I recently read an article about Thomas Jefferson’s Bible. What struck me the most were the source books themselves. Jefferson cut out the parts he thought were directly linked to Jesus’ teachings to create his own Bible.
photos from openculture.com
Now, I’ve always been an avid note-taker (I’ve even had to buy new copies of a book to make room for more notes), but I never thought to cut out sections. Part of me feels uncomfortable thinking about tearing up parts or a page of a book!
However, it does make me think about the lengths we’ll go to engage with a text. And how what one person does with a book might shock another – think about whether you mind if someone breaks the spine of your book, turns the corner on a page, writes in the margin….
note: to see Jefferson’s Bible, click here http://americanhistory.si.edu/JeffersonBible/the-book/
reading interrupted. 
Wow! Thomas Jefferson, the original art book creator…? I actually find this quite inspiring, but you’re right, I do also cringe a bit at the thought of cutting up a book!
It’s true, it IS a sort of art book – I hadn’t looked at it like that!
Agreed! Originality is the best…all the time!
great insightful post. made me think!
thanks! I’m enjoying your blog – the photos are incredible…
Thanks for letting me camp out in your blog for a little while today. I had a great time and tried to leave my campsite as good as when I arrived. I’ll be back!
You are most welcome! I like this idea of “camping out” – the camp site was impeccable when you left 🙂 Thanks for visiting – am enjoying following your blog and your beautiful photographs.
Pingback: Revisiting The Jefferson Bible | reading interrupted.
Interesting that he kept the source books.
What a good point – I hadn’t thought of that!
Ha! Just first blog post “like” bombed you back. It’s so neat that we started our blogs two days apart from each other!
first post “like” bomb – hee hee, that made me smile. I hadn’t realized that we started our blogs just two days apart; I like that!