My fellow atheists, have you noticed?

Question

I've noticed that I know a lot more about the bible, how the canon was developed, the historic biblical era, and the development of the christian church since I walked into the light of atheism.

So far, I've noticed that in the various "you're going to burn in hell" emails that I receive from time to time that when I press some of these christians, they know very little about the bible and how it developed into scripture.

Some simple questions like why does John (the last gospel written) change the date of the crucifixion from the synoptic gospels. I think that if more people reviewed the history of christianity that we would have more atheists.

Your thoughts?

Scott B, where in my question did I say "all christians"? I made a point of commenting on the emails I get (and will get as a result of this question)

Way to pay attention to details there sport...

and if you only knew what my studies consisted of you would look even more foolish than you do now, scott B.

Tell ya what, learn to read the bible in greek and latin and then get back to me

NewCatholic, if only the catholic church was not responsible for the elimination of the other christian faiths of the first three christian centuries (e.g. Gnostics, Marcionites, Ebionites, etc...)

Reviewing the history of this era showed that the reason christians today believe in the three part divinity is because this group "won". Simple as that.

Answer 1

I wish I knew the bible as much as you did. It would help me out to defend why I chose not to believe as well as why I dislike organized religion.

Answer 2

You have more knowledge of twisted teachings, not the real teachings and the real reasons why we believe what we do.

If you REALLY want to know what we believe, do a read of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, at least then you will know what you are arguing against.

I reviewed the history of Christianity and became Catholic.

If more people studied the Catechism, there would be less atheists.

Answer 3

Actually reading the Bible from cover to cover is why I started to question my "blind faith" in the first place. Once you open that door you cant close it again! I was so shocked and disgusted with what I found in the bible, there was no way I could believe anymore!

Answer 4

Think highly of yourself? I love the atheists "we are the only enlightened, intellegent ones" argument. We as Christians have our own drinking game dedicated to that overused assertion. (of course we are probably drinking ginger ale) Don't be so naive friend, to assume that ALL Christians have little understanding of the Bible. How long does it take you to google "Biblical contradictions" on the net and pretend you've "studied" the Bible? Give me a break. I as a Christian accept that I can't "prove" my belief to you, but I stepped out on faith and learned the truth on my own. Atheists more intellegent than Christians? Who knows? Atheists allowing fear to prevent them from finding the truth? Now that is the problem. Stop generalizing so much, it makes you seem far more obtuse than you accuse Chrisitans of being. I will debate inconsistencies with you all you want, but what does it benefit you or me? Are you honestly telling me it might change you opinion? It won't. If you can't seek with an open mind and heart, you will NEVER find out the truth. What are you afraid of?

Answer 5

It is a funny thing, is'nt it? And the most vocal and aggressive Xtians seem to know the least...and I think Scott B may unfortunately fit into this grouping...I mean, he did'nt really read the original question and just jumped all ovver you with his pre-concieved responses. Typical.

Answer 6

I have yet have a christian email-er really reply to my questions. It is usually look in the bible, have faith, I'll pray for you, or you don't know anything about the bible.
Some may change their mind, but no a lot.

Answer 7

Atheist does not believe anything blindly. Bible is a book of parables. Like we have in english metaphors which are phrases which does not mean what it says.

So is words in Bible they does not mean what they say I mean literally. They have a very deep inner meaning. To know that one has to realize and experience rather to talk and argue.

Atheist dont like hypocrites who mislead people in the name of religion.

So dont hurt people sentiments asking the wrong quetion thinking it as intelligent one. As those which are really puzzling which u think needs lot more importance.

Answer 8

I think you are right. I find that too.

the problem with unquestioning faith is that it is only viable if you maintain unalloyed ignorance. Once you learn the history of the Bible, the Church, the Creed and the relationship to other religions then you simply cannot avoid questioning.

And when you question you never know what answers you are going to get.

Answer 9

I completely agree and think that this is something most atheists discover along our journey of discovering our beliefs and that it may have a lot to do with the conclusion we have made (being that God does not exist). I think if more Christians became more educated about their own religion, there would most certainly be more atheists. I also think this has a lot to do with how under-educated America has become.

Answer 10

yeah, me too. I had to study christianity more to refute it. when i first started questioning christianity, i figured i might as well know the facts and not what i'm told in bible school. and then, after a lot of digging and finding out a ton of things no one bothered to tell me (maybe they didn't know themselves), I became an atheist.