New book available only here until November! Doubting Thomas?
the Life & Religious Legacy of Thomas Jefferson
by Mark A. Beliles and Jerry Newcombe
Drawing from about 1100 religious letters and papers of Thomas Jefferson (of which over 100 in recent months have been printed for the first time ever - some in this volume itself), this book identifies over 200 religious leaders or groups that Thomas Jefferson either worshipped with, aided financially or corresponded with. While not denying the unorthodox writings of Jefferson late in life, the context of the vast majority of his religious correspondence and actions, and the unique religious culture of Central Virginia, show a much more nuanced picture that challenges both secular and religious scholars to reassess Jefferson’s modern image.
Morgan James Publishing Offers New Spin on Thomas Jefferson’s Religious Life
NEW YORK--Month XX, 2014--Morgan James Publishing’s (www.Morgan-James.com) new release Doubting Thomas: The Religious Life and Legacy of Thomas Jefferson by Mark A. Beliles and Jerry Newcombe compiles evidence in its most complete form yet about Thomas Jefferson’s religious beliefs throughout his life.
As the most comprehensive biography about Thomas Jefferson and religion, Doubting Thomas seeks to provide Americans with what Thomas Jefferson really believed about “separation of church and state,” God, and Jesus’ teachings. Currently, most people regard Jefferson as a Deist or Unitarian who thought religion and government should have nothing to do with each other; however, Beliles and Newcombe have set out to prove that this is not entirely true. With compelling evidence written in a clear and straightforward manner, these authors aim to create a clear picture of who Thomas Jefferson really was. While their goal is not to turn Jefferson into a twenty-first century evangelical Christian, because he wasn’t, Beliles and Newcombe believe that he should not be the symbol for organizations such as the Freedom From Religion Foundation because he didn’t support that either. Using almost every religious document written by Thomas Jefferson, they are painting a portrait of Jefferson that should intrigue anyone interested in history, religion, or the early politics of our nation. Written by two Christian historians, Doubting Thomas leaves readers with no doubts about the accuracy of their research. Instead of simply mixing and matching quotes from Jefferson’s writing, they analyze all of the sources and look at them in the religious and political context of the late 18th century. The authors also examine Jefferson’s relationship with the clergy around him and how they viewed his spirituality. The book is broken into three parts, (The Religious Life of Thomas Jefferson, The True Religious Legacy of Thomas Jefferson, and The Distorted Legacy of Thomas Jefferson) a conclusion. The appendices include some of Jefferson’s writings and his pastor Charles Clay’s sermons that are printed for the first time ever. The conclusion sums up Jefferson’s religious journey and attitudes toward religion and its place in government. The authors point out that Jefferson actually emphasized religious freedom and begin to ponder what that should mean in society today. Obviously, some questions cannot be fully answered without asking Jefferson personally and it is difficult to speculate what Jefferson might say if he could see what America looks like today. After reading Doubting Thomas, readers gain a fresh understanding and appreciation for Thomas Jefferson. As a complex and extremely intelligent individual, Beliles and Newcombe realize that they can’t put him in an organized labeled box. An interesting depiction of arguably one of our most important Founding Fathers, Doubting Thomas provides America with fascinating historical facts as well as insight on the separation of church and state issue that people must form opinions on and deal with today. |
Endorsements:
Foreword and Introduction by:
- Dr. Garrett Sheldon, Professor of Politics, University of Virginia at Wise - Dr. Peter Lillback, President, Westminster Theological Seminary The late Dr. Alan Heimert, Professor of American Literature at Harvard University and author of Religion and the American Mind, said that the core evidence presented in this book provides “truly new and original insight… adding immeasurably to Thomas Jefferson’s own intellectual biography.” Compellingly corrects our recollection of Thomas Jefferson. - Rabbi Daniel Lapin-American Alliance of Jews and Christians This book aptly demonstrates that although Thomas Jefferson was no evangelical Christian he was certainly far from the ACLU’s version as portrayed today. - Dr Robert Jeffress, Pastor, First Baptist Church, Dallas Thoroughly and even-handedly treats a controversial topic with unflagging scholarship that escorts an authentically complex Thomas Jefferson to the fore. - Stephen Mansfield, Ph.D., New York Times Best-selling Author A must read book….with refreshing analysis of the faith journey of one of the most frequently discussed and often misunderstood Founding Fathers. - Mathew D. Staver, Founder and Chairman, Liberty Counsel Fascinating, well researched, and wonderfully nuanced. - Kirk Cameron, Actor, Producer and TV host |
This book can be found in your favorite local bookstore as of November and also through Chapters-Indigo, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, IndieBound, Powell’s, Family Christian, Lifeway, and others.