One thing i've thought about are the people who don't read the bible are the ones who are most critical of it

Question

True? This was stated by "Dan H". Those who consider themselves critical of the Bible...have you read it?

Answer 1

I agree with you 100%, all of you who answered that you have read the Bible many times and still don't believe it, means that you haven't really understand it, I read it many times before and didn't believe it, but now I am having a Bible study and is amazing all those prophesis accomplish etc. God gave only to certain people the power of understanding his words not everyone can, so if you don't get it is because Satan is ruling the world and putting an scarf in your eyes so you cannot see the truth!!................

Answer 2

Whenever this question is put forward, there are usually sceptics who say that this is not true, and that they have read the bible a lot.

I myself am sceptical of this claim with most who make it. The biblical quotes such people copy/paste are usually always exactly the same translations as that used by the anti-apologetic sites that make these points. It is pretty clear that these folks aren't familiar with the same biblical text sites with which the believers are.

When you talk to people who say this, and ask which translation they used when they read.... NRSV, RSV, KJV, NKJB, KJV21, NASB, or NAB? ...or start talking about the narrative context of the Jesus quote they've just used, you usually get a blank or panicked stare when they realize they've been caught out.

I'm not saying this is always true. But it often is.

Answer 3

I am extremely critical of the bible and I am one of the few people I have met who have read the whole thing. I think most people who claim to be believers have not read it. It is, in my experience, those who are critical of the bible, religion , and christianity who are the most bible literate.

Answer 4

Depends on what you mean by "read". Have I studied the Bible and read it all the way through? Yes. Do I continually read it and reference it. No.

Some people accuse others of not reading the bible at all if they don't read it every day. But, like any form of media, if you immerse yourself in it, you will eventually believe, whether you want to or not.

Take anti-same sex marriage proponents. What they are fighting is same sex marriage, which has nothing to do with them if they themselves are straight. But what their argument says is, "If we allow it to be considered normal, then eventually, everyone WILL think it's normal when it's really not. And then my children might believe that." So they fight it.

same thing with the Bible. read it every day and, eventually, you will believe it.

Adolf Hitler said, "A lie, no matter how absurd, if told enough, will become truth."

Cuts both ways.

Answer 5

I think that's true for the most part. People who don't read the bible are more likely to come up with their own opinion as to what it says and what it means. This is unfortunate as there are many in the world who participate in certain denominations of the Christian faith that do not require nor press people to read the bible for themselves. Instead they tell people that the bible is too complicated and that they should allow their priest, preacher, teacher etc to interpret it for them. In this way, many are deceived into believing false doctrine and will miss many blessings and even heaven because of it. There is however a small percentage that have read the bible but try to intellectually interpret it when much of it can only be discerned spiritually.

Answer 6

I have read the bible and it doesn't take very long to get to the parts about rape, murder and slavery. I can see how some only read parts of it. So many things in the bible are so horrible that if my children wanted to read it i would not allow them to until they are mature enough to understand that a lot of things in it are not ok. It doesn't take much to say that the bible is a very violent and disturbing book.

Answer 7

I think it's more accurate to say that those who are critical of the bible typically apply a low context perspective to a high context document, appear to be unable to recognize figurative language (or at least figurative language in the bible... somehow, I doubt they use a thermometer on someone who claimed to be "boiling mad"), assume that God couldn't possibly have a good reason for doing something simply because they can't think of one, and other assorted fallacies.

Answer 8

it is possible they just don't have the correct understanding of God's Word.

the Bible is an amazing book ... the inspired Word of God Himself. if you understand the Bible correctly, there are absolutely NO contradictions. i used to read the Bible alot, & thought i knew most of the time what it was talking about.

my how that has changed. since i have been filled with the Spirit of God, suddenly it ALL makes sense & it ALL works together ... one thing confirming another. ... from the OT to the NT. only by the inspiration of God over such a span of time could such a book have been written.

Answer 9

Generalizations like this are not particularly useful.

I have read the Bible many times and continue to read it. But I do not believe the exaggerated claims put forth on the Bible's behalf.

My experience has been that many who believe take the Bible for granted and do not know much about it. But also many who believe are constantly reading the Bible.

Answer 10

I don't believe that is true - I have a degree in Christian theology and pastoral counseling and have committed large portions of the Bible to memory. I have studied every book, read the Bible (with assistance) in other languages, and have worked with many Christian ministries. I know a bit about the Bible.

I am critical of the Bible, but moreso of those who claim to follow it, yet follow it falsely - meaning they follow the interpretation of someone who is twisting the scripture for his or her own gain.