Why do atheists read the Bible?

Question

Is it to learn what Christianity is about?
Is it to be wise?
Is it to be better armed for a battle of wits with Christians?

What are your motives? Are they for good, or for arguments?

Please be honest. I can take it.

Mr. Bojangles: Good answer. But it's not the only language we know. We are as educated as anyone. What you've mistaken is that the Bible TRUMPS every other source. As it happens, no reliable source has ever contradicted the Bible. The Bible reinforces historic and scientific FACTS (not the same as speculation).

By the way, no points for speculation. I've already speculated. I want answers from atheists who read the bible as to why THEY read the Bible. Any answer with "Might" or "Maybe" is ignored.

I'm Done: You stalking me? ;) Muah. Send me a shout out sometime.
Yahoo! Messenger: hyzakyt2000
myspace: hyzakyt

I'm Done: In my mind, "Muah" is a verbal exclamation point. Also, kind of a shortened "Muahahaha" for when something is clever and/or diabolical. Kinda like the army uses "Hooah" for everything. Maybe you don't know any army guys. Anyway, my wife uses "Muah" as a kiss, so maybe I should be careful where I stick em. btw, who are "they"?

Answer 1

It's because the ONLY thing Christians listen to is the bible. They don't care if you have proof of anything or not, they don't care if you make sense. They refuse to listen and understand what you say if you don't talk about the bible.

The bible is like the language you have to learn in order to try and communicate with Chirsitans. It's a very, VERY limited language to try to communicate anything of meaning with, but it's all they seem to have since the language of reason doesn't work.

**It's your opinion that the bible trumps every other source. I say show me real PROOF that it does. Not vague "prophecies". I'm not going to argue with you though because somehow I doubt that me and you are going to break any new ground when it comes to the debate between Christians and the non-religious. Let's just agree to disagree. :) BTW, very good question.**

Answer 2

I always believe that you should never talk of what you do not know, whether you are condemning it or praising it.

I always have followed this naturally, because I have a fear of being made to look like an uninformed idiot. So I bite my tongue often. And do research before I open my mouth again.

Really, to all the Christians who are trying to prod the brains of the atheists..."they read it because they secretly believe in it but don't want to admit it" That's the most retarded thing I've ever heard. What, are you Freud or something? Do you have a degree in Internet Psychology?

Maybe it is because of all the reasons that the original poster wrote, and nothing more.

Answer 3

take it like a man!
Ever heard the one of the college professor, who started out every year telling his students, the Bible is a book of myths and fabrications?
One year a student finally asked him if he had ever read the Bible.
When he had to admit that he had never read it, the student asked, 'how can you make any assertions about a book you have never read?'
Many Christians and Atheists alike have never read or more than scratched the surface when it comes to this "Bible", yet look at the number of those making strong assertions. The masses on both sides of this 'war of words' are merely regurgitating the propaganda that professors and preachers alike have poisoned them with. The honorable thing to do is, for each one to test the doctrines they have been inculcated with. Let go of the biases that have been grafted into your minds and then speak intelligently on the subjects of religion and philosophy.

Answer 4

First I am not an atheist but I am not a believer in christianity either. I have read the bible twice cover to cover - once on my own to see what was in it and the second time as part of my comparative religions courses in college. I have also read many other religious texts on my own and through my college courses. I read them because I find them to be interesting in more of a sociological approach.

I believe everyone is free to choose the belief system that best fits them and that is all there is to it.

Answer 5

I am not an atheist.. but I truly believe they read the Bible because they believe in God. They are only hoping they are wrong. They are still looking for some air of truth.

Also..just had to tell you that your response to the question you answered b4 you posted this one was beautiful and right on.

It does take the Holy Spirit to reveal the truth. Just because one reads does not mean they comprehend. The Bible is line upon line..precept upon precept.

No man has power unless God give it. There is power in the Bible.. power in the scriptures. God said you will have the power to cast out demons. Do you (atheists) really believe that God would give that power to someone who doesn't even believe on him?? That's just naive.

Best Wishes!

Answer 6

I don't know of any atheists that read the bible. But I imagine if any did...the teachings like..don't kill...don't steal...ect..are rather good points...but religion gets pretty carried away with wacky claims and threats.

Personally...I don't think it should be required to know whats written in a book...with how many religions there are..what's the point in following a mainstream? Be a slave to a system....No thanks....I'd rather just be a good person

Answer 7

Some are searching for truth. Some look for material for a legitimate argument. Some read it for literature/historical studies. There's lots of reasons. I'm a Christian and I read the Quar'an once in a while just because I'm curious to see what it says.

Answer 8

One time I started to read the bible while I was on the can..... I had nothing else to read, and I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. Let's just say that I didn't get very far, and I haven't picked the book up since.

Answer 9

Some read it for the same reasons that they read other books.
There are some useful things to learn from the Bible for people who do not believe in God.
They could be trying to understand their Christian neighbors.
Also, they could be finding references for contradictions that they have thought of.

Answer 10

Could be a few reasons - Athiests are usually created by doubting religion. Maybe some have followed that path and have further doubt. Maybe they are looking for more reason to reinforce their current position.