In this question: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AhBqhtvsHqc7pRZnQvyg1.QezKIX?qid=20060803113206AADa0BV&cp=1&tp=2#all-answers
Many atheists agreed that a vocal atheist should know theology in order to argue against theism.
However in this question:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AjL8lJ2NCVlXtXdTKkJNc3_sy6IX?qid=20060803105703AA5gUS9
Many atheists argued that the Bible is not a trustworthy source for knowledge of history, science or morality.
If the Bible is not trustworthy in several distinct fields, why would theology be the exception? In other words, *if* God exists, then why wouldn't the Bible be just as inaccurate and incomplete about God as it is about history and science?
2006-08-03 07:53:51 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It IS inaccurate about science, history and most of all, God. I think God wouldn't approve of the bible (if in fact there is one, that is) because it makes him look bad.
2006-08-03 08:00:22 · answer #1 · answered by tomleah_06 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I didn't read all the answers to your theology question, but they probably meant you should be familiar with the theology of a specific religion before arguing against that specific religion.
Most atheists would argue that *if* a god exists it is not the anthropomorphic god depicted in the bible. So, no the bible is not a valid source for knowledge about god. (If I thought it was I wouldn't be an atheist, would I?)
The bible is only a trustworthy source for understanding the theology behind Christianity...nothing more. It would be kinda dumb to try and argue against Christianity without understanding the underlying theology of their belief.
2006-08-03 15:05:06 · answer #2 · answered by laetusatheos 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It *so* good to have a question other than the man-monkey-monkey-man question!
If you look at the Bible in context - ie: in the time it was written, the socio-political-religious environment - it becomes a guide book about conforming to society; it tells you how to behave and what will happen if you don't. The creation stories are there to validate our existence.
While it helps to have a knowledge of theology - and as atheists, it's not just the judeo-christian religions we should be aware of - ultimately what we are arguing about is faith. And all the knowledge in the world can win that one.
2006-08-03 15:00:05 · answer #3 · answered by Macaroni 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Im not certain what youre getting at.... Yes, the Bible should NOT be looked at for historical or scientific information, as all of it is way off ... And, I agree that the Bible IS inaccurate and incomplete with regards to God, "if" he exists..... So whats your point??
Unfortunately, in order to have an understanding of religion (say christianity), one must read this incomplete and inaccurate record. But that is ONLY because you have no other sources other than this inaccurate book. What else would you have me read to learn about it???
2006-08-03 15:01:55 · answer #4 · answered by YDoncha_Blowme 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Theology is more about belief and perception. My mother is a Baptist and she believes in the bible for the base of her theological beliefs. She takes it to be truth. I am an atheist and the same book I take to be half truths and not trustworthy. She believes in a deity and I don't. My mother only knows about christianity.. she has never had the desire to learn about any other religion because they are not valid in her belief. I have looked at a good number of them and decided that the concept of a deity is not valid. It all depends on how you see things.
2006-08-03 15:02:23 · answer #5 · answered by genaddt 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because the current worldview of theology as it equates to the Judeo-Christian mindset is based upon either the Quoran, Bible, Torah, what have you. To be able to know how its written and how it INFLUENCES THE THOUGHTS OF THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN IT is essential when looking at modern theological values, and more importantly, the dangerous impact of those values.
However, one must also look at the past of each of these institutions, as well as the pasts of others, including governments, migration patterns, and also science and logic to be able to fully apply the data to a logical conclusion.
2006-08-03 15:12:28 · answer #6 · answered by mike_castaldo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say it is only useful in theology as one of the examples of what people believe a god to be. I wouldn't say its description of this god should be used as a standard with which to measure all other gods. I would argue that the descriptions of all gods should be known at least in part before you can justify your reason for not believing in them.
2006-08-03 15:04:16 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say that it IS as inaccurate and incomplete about God as it is about history and science... (assuming he exists) You don't think the bible tells you all there is to know about God do you? It hardly tells you anything at all about him.
2006-08-03 14:59:02 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
because they know about theology they know that the Bible is bunk so they know that it is not good for science, math, or morals.
just because they know what the Bible says doesn't mean they agree.
by knowing the Bibles theology they know the Christian God does not exist
2006-08-03 15:00:28 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i do think the bible is very accurate-stories handy down for a long time-as for theological knowledge cant help there dont believe there is any-valid or otherwise-just beliefs-and that is not the same-keep the peace old hippi here
2006-08-03 14:59:20 · answer #10 · answered by bergice 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋