The problem presented by Jefferson's approach is that you are presented with something that still looks deceptively like an intact Bible, unless you take the time to open the cover and explore the contents. That means you have to get "up close" first. And that's assuming you even have permission first.
Golden calves, on the other hand, are so "out there" by contrast to Biblical faith (or even to the Jeffersonian edited kind) that you can usually spot them from miles away.
Well, in most cases. But I'm always struck by Jeroboam actions where he create two golden calves and told the people of Israel, "Hey, it's a long trip to Jerusalem. These golden calves really brought you up out of Egypt." and the people just said "Duh, if the king says it, then it sounds good to me."