Why is it that some athiests know the Bible ?

Question

I'm just curious; no offense, but I am wondering how or why you have knowledge about the Bible, when you clearly don't believe it?

"whiteworker" I AM NOT assuming anything! Read my question....it is directed at athiests, so I can understand their point of view!

"ain'tmisbehaving"...you have no hatred from me. I don't know you and I don't have hate for anyone.Check your attitude.

"weemaryanagain" I AM NOT struggling with disbelief.. It is a question, don't assume anything else! I am simply fascinated by the knowledge that some athiests have, and to be quite honest, some have more knowledge than some who refer to themselves as knowledgeable!

Answer 1

Anyone can knowledge about what they study.
A person can study all the science and physics about one of those lifesaver rings that are meant to keep you afloat in the ocean.

A person can be drowning and know how the ring was made, that the ring was made as a lifesaving device, how the ring works as a lifesaving device... anyone can know all there is to know about lifesaving rings.

But, if the drowning person doesn't reach up and trust that ring to keep him afloat, all that knowledge just drowns along with the person.

Lots of different folks know about God and all about the Bible. Not everyone knows God.

Answer 2

In many classes both in high school and at college people are advised to read the Bible to know about the cultural references that are used in movies, tv, music and literature. Without studying the Bible, many who would not otherwise ever read it would not be able to know the meaning behind those references, myths, and metaphors.

Simply because one does not believe it to be the true word of God, does not mean that it is not a valid piece of literature or history. It is well written and contains many important historical references to a time long ago that are not as easily found in other materials.

Answer 3

"Why is it that some atheists know the Bible?"

I first read a copy of the KJV as a kid in Georgia, and to tell you truly, my reading of it, and especially the Old Testament, sped me toward atheism and humanism. Nowadays, I read the same bible because, to understand Christianity, it's necessary to 'know' the book. For the same reason I am reading Al-Cur'an. I would imagine that intelligent Christians read Harris's "Letter to a Christian Nation" and Christopher Hitchens's "God is Not Great," to name but two, only to understand the workings of the atheists' mind. Not all Christians are narrow-minded or brain-dead like the Fundies, which has become no more than a rather pathetic 'cult'. Another reason I read the Christian bible, or the KJV, is because Elizabethan English is so doggoned beautiful.

Answer 4

Despite what most people believe to be true about Atheists, we do read quite a bit. I personally do not make decisions in my life without reading, studying and contemplating. I choose to make informed decisions, so yes, I have read the bible, several times, and still came to the conclusion that God does not exist to me. Christians want to debate Atheists and say "how can you say there is no god when you don't read the bible" but then we read it and you want to know why! Crazy!

Answer 5

Many of us atheists are extremely well read generally and we like to do our research properly before giving our criticism.

Although I was raised as a Christian it was not until I became an atheist that I actually started reading the Bible, knowledge is a good defence.

Answer 6

Do you think all atheists are born that way or just never heard of religion or the Bible? I was a Christian for many years and attended Bible study weekly for many years. I consider myself more knowledgeable about the Bible than 90% of the Christians I meet. I have some pretty valid reasons I think for not believing it.

Answer 7

Well...that's not hard to figure out is it? They have read the Bible, seen it is nothing but a fable, and became athiests. Or they were halfway there and reading the Bible from beginning to end sent them over the edge.

I'm agnostic. But I find it very unlikely that if there is a God, that He is the God from the Bible.

Answer 8

I used to be a christian. I actually majored in theology. Many people have an interest in religions that are not their own. Some people study the books of eastern religions for the poetry and insight into human nature. How many people do you know who know the Greek and Roman religious myths? It can make for very interesting reading!

Answer 9

Because I was born, raised and bred a Jehovah's witless. Also only ignorance breeds ignorance. What would be the point of fighting something that you knew nothing about? (even though some do that) At least I can say I know what I am talking about and I am not just mad or pissed off at an idea.

Answer 10

In North America, most adult atheists were raised in Christian homes. (I was raised Catholic myself.) So we know something about the locally dominant religion. And many of us are indeed well acquainted with the bible.

You're struggling with the very concept of unbelief, aren't you? -- You just can't imagine how people can live without faith in your god, or at least in some kind of god.

But consider this: You're a Christian because you were born and raised in North America. If you had been born in India, chances are you would be a Hindu, and you would live with a completely different set of beliefs. So you see, it's possible to live without your god.

And just one step farther: It's possible to live without any god.

Answer 11

the bible is a very interesting book, from historical perspective aswell.

It describes actual events, from the time of exodus to the time of jesus. it convays the moral of the ancient world in stories, that still do and do not apply to modern day society.

plus its also interesting to read how man, in those times percieved the world.

i personally beleive a lot in the bible is true, a lot in the bible is exagerated and a lot in the bible is just plain bull. its fun trying to pick out the goodstuff. i just dont design my life around the rules portrayed in hte bible.