From what I noticed here, the Atheists seem pretty well read and astute......?

Question

So when Christians say "read the Bible," What is it that they mean. Bill Maher said: "I've read the Bible....once." I am sure everyone has. What I am asking then is when Christians say "read the Bible;" is it that they mean "read the Bible with the Holy Spirit witness and BELIEVE it like I do"?

Answer 1

To *really* read the bible is a sure path to atheism...

Answer 2

I think that when a "Christian" says read the bible, especially all the ones who use that line in this venue, they are really saying, "I don't know." and they hide behind "The Book ". "Atheists" who seem well read and astute and answer questions here are more objective in their answers because they don't hide behind any religious doctrine. Also, most Christians think that atheists don't beleive in anything. That is not true. Most atheists beleive in themselves. They are telling you logical and sometimes sensible ideas that they personally understand. The Catholic Bible does not contain the Old Testament because that is the Jewish Bible. The Catholics just teach about Jesus Christ the way they want to. So when a Christian says read the bible it helps to know which friggin' kind of Christian they are. I have read the old and new testaments more than once and they make a great movie but they leave a lot to be desired for the intelligent human to cling to. If you don't have a mind of your own (most people don't) it really doesn't matter what religion you practice. You might as well be a democrat or a republican who just follows party lines. It's all the same in the end. The government is not going to save you and neither is any religion. Only you can save you. Open your mind and don't be a follower. Be a leader. Be the miracle yourself. Peace

Answer 3

I think sadly, but truly, Christians point non-believer's to The Word of God because they either can't explain or do not know the answer to the question which is being ask. A Christian should point to the Bible but all Christians have the time to lead those who need the Lord's help. Christians can take the time to read the Bible with those who need help. Do Christians' take the time to read the Bible and study??? I don't belive many had read the Bible in its entirity!

Answer 4

Not only have I read the bible (3 versions), I have also read the Koran, Vedic texts, Talmudic texts, the Tibetan Book of the Dead, writings by Confucius, Taoists, Zen Budhhists, Tibetan Buddhists and dozens of mythologies. Coupled with the critical analysis skills garnered from studying philosophy, linguistics, anthropology, social psychology, history, literature, fine art and sociology (amongst other fields) I more than qualify as being capable of critically analyse texts.

I'm an atheist not out of ignorance, but out of knowledge. I continue to seek knowledge and an understanding of the world secure in realising that there are no simple answers, and that there are some things for which I will never get a satisfactory answer. I know that in order to reject an argument one must first undertsand it. I knew that when I was 12 and became an atheist.

Recitation of dogma is not argument. The bible is not a factual document of eveidence. Faith does not beat reason, evidence, experiment and rigorous scientific method.

The critical mind is open when it reads and studies. There is no point in "believing" when you read the bible. To do that is merely to reinforce one's delusional state. You cannot get a sane, reasonable person to "believe" unless you present them with real evidence. That's the real core of the atheist's system, and why christians will never win an argument with an atheist. You need evidence, and there is none to support the existence of any god, let alone the god of christians.

Answer 5

There's a difference between reading something and understanding/applying it. Many who actually read and understand the fundamentals realize that there is a little more to New Testament salvation than the popular old "accept and believe" doctrine. That version of the "salvation plan" incidently is not found in the scriptures. When people realize that God actually requires something from them then it suddenly becomes "too much" or "false" or "interpreted" or "too confusing" or whatever other excuse folks use to justify why they choose not to believe and obey. Yes, I said "obey". There are certain requirements that must be met in order to receive salvation. Nothing profound really, just a little humility and honesty.
If you thoughtfully read Acts Chapter 2 you will find the entire New Testament salvation plan. This is the record of the exact moment the New Testament Church began and it clearly explains what is required of you, and what you will receive in return. No mystery. No interpretation. No lies and deceit. Just plain and simple scripture anyone can understand.
Pay particular attention to verse 38.

Astute or not, if you have received the Holy Ghost as described in Acts 2 then you will serve God. If you have not then you will likely look for reasons to justify your unbelief.
It's not rocket science. Either you apply the Word of God or you don't. If you choose not to, that's fine. But be honest with yourself and with God about it. He said salvation is so simple even a "wayfaring man" can understand it.
Sometimes our own "astuteness" can blind us from the simple truth. Other times it's just our pride.

Answer 6

I'm Christian, and pretty well read. What ANYONE needs to do is search for their own answers, on their own path. Anyone can read the Bible, and everyone will take away something different. The problems pop up when people believe that their one interpretation is The Right One. I just remind myself, when someone tells me that I'm a Bad Bad Christian for questioning religion (not God, but man-made religion) that Jesus ENCOURAGED us to question what we are told, and not to simply blindly believe and follow ANYONE. As long as the path leads to God. For some, the Bible proves God is there, and for others, it's fully of contradictions and falsehoods. I say, don't use the Bible if you're searching for truth. Search your heart and soul, listen to your thoughts. Have a constant inner dialogue with yourself. Question what you believe and justify it. My beliefs have never been so clear as when I have to answer questions from my children. My grandmother, almost a nun, has never said "read the bible" but "Listen to your heart and pray. If you choose to read the bible, do so with an open heart and open mind, and look for the meaning that you need at this moment. Prayer is more important than any written word."

Answer 7

You're getting warm. There is a way to read it that is correct. If you simply read it as literature you miss a great deal of what is really there.

In the Catholic Church there is even a specific prayer to the Holy Spirit prayed before reading Sacred Scripture to help guide understanding. There are different "layers" or levels of understanding found within the same verses or chapters. Without proper theological grounding you are basically lost to any and all types of interpretations.

Answer 8

I became an atheist after reading the bible(and a long guilt trip[disintoxication from dogma])
I was at one time a fundy catholic, I read the bible 8+ times and were in bible study for 2 years.

Logic and reason are awfully corrosive to dogma and belief.

Actually it was like a moment of enlightenment, when i pulled the odd piece(god) out, and everything made sense, and all other pieces fell into place.

Answer 9

They A*S-U-ME that if you read it you will automatically be moved to believe. They ignore the fact that you might read other books, like historical texts that show what parts are accurate and what parts aren't. Of course you know what happens when you assume - just look at my first listing of that word. I think they should all be force fed the modern archaeolgy findings that show where the Bible was right, and where it was way off the mark.

Answer 10

O Peter, Peter......jk I see what you are saying.

But the truth of the matter is the Holy Spirit is given to the repenter as a gift from God..........so your conclusion is not accurate. BUT when you read the bible with an 'open mind' not like your quoted person, (don't like him much :)) depending on....alot of things....you sometimes see the truth but usually 1 Corinthians 2:14 kicks in; and as it says "the natural mind cannot understand the things of God.......".

So if the Lord wills to open your mind when you are attempting to read the Word, it's up to Him and on your part you need to have a sincere desire.

Answer 11

There are many ways to interpret the word "Read." You can scan, paraphrase, study in depth, etc. I believe what they mean, or should mean, is read it like you would a "love letter" from someone you really care for. You read it and re-read it, and examine what the message is really saying, and you take waht is said in the letter very personal. That is how the Bible should be read, like a love letter sent to you personally from God.