Atheists, how much do you know about the bible? Rate yourself using this scale. (Christians can respond too)

Question

Rate yourself:

1 being you've never read it

5 being you are familiar with most of the central doctrinal material and could cite a few passages.

10 being you could recite 100 passages, know the context, know the history of the texts, know what if any archeology has confirmed or discounted which parts, know the history of the middle east and are somewhat familiar with the source languages.

I am an atheist and would rate myself a 7, (so give me a big pat on the back.)

I ask because I get annoyed when Christians assume I have some sort of fear of, aversion to, or complete ignorance of the bible.

Most atheists seem to me to be more informed than the AVERAGE Christian who basically just knows Genesis, the Passion narrative, and a few parables. (and of course the verses condemning homosexuality)

How about you?

The first christian response, from go2bermuda, accuses me of being a liar.

Typical.

P.S.

Most of my study was done when I was a believer and a student at a fundie college.

I guess the spirit chose not to teach me anything.

Answer 1

A. i've never read it. Never even considered it. there are too many more important things to do with life and if i want to read fiction, i'll pick something with higher quality.
B. i'm atheist and i think it's preposterous to think that you have to read the bible to be able to say it's absurd.
C. there's nothing in it that could be considered credible no matter how intimately you know it.
D. religious people suck

Answer 2

Certain statements within the gospel of John say with out equivocation that Jesus is God. Other statements in Matthew and Mark say that Jesus is cut loose God and subordinate to God. If those don't seem to be mistakes or contradictions, then both any such witnesses have got to be interpreted in a few twisted symbolic style, or whatever like Trinity conception have got to be actual. The bible does now not educate the Trinity instantly, nevertheless it does include Jesus' guideline to baptise within the title of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit (Matt 28:19). That's how Trinity conception was once inferred. Christians have not ceased arguing approximately it. People will most likely come across one assertion or segment within the bible and fixate on it, and in no way realize that different statements in other places within the bible must be regarded even as. Many of the doctrines which might be "now not within the bible" are there, however best obvious whilst one facet is weighed towards yet another.

Answer 3

I'd say I would be a 7 - my mother became a Seventh Day Adventist when I was 5 yrs old (which kinda ropes her kids in as well). I was a Seventh Day Adventist until about the age of 23 and I was very active within the church. I attended bible studies, went to Sevvie youth camps, I was even employed by the church as the secretary to the National Director for Religious Liberty (how ironic). I am now an atheist, after dabbling a bit with Paganism.

Answer 4

8

Answer 5

I would rate myself about 6-7

I have a pretty good working knowledge of what's written in the bible, I can't quote verses but know how to find verses I am looking for using reference guides etc. (For instance If I know the verse I want says something about charity I know how to use tools to find exactly the verse I am looking for in a matter of a few minutes.)

I also have a rudimentary knowledge of Aramaic and the history of the middle east gained during college courses years ago.. (Once again while I may not be able to pull the exact information from my brain I know where to look to find what I want very quickly)...

I learned at a young age being able to find the wanted information quickly and efficiently is as good if not better than being able to regurgitate the information.. Someone able to look up the information gets all the surrunding information as well as the single bit of regurgitated information...

Answer 6

I actually have a BA in theology - as such unemployment is no stranger to me -

An athiest with a theology degree makes for a grat guest at a party - but not a lot of call for that in the want ads


Most Christians actually only know 5 verses - tops - They are given a brochure of knowledge and then a feel good message mixed with a vauge threatg and the money is extorted from them -

I have a 4 year degree in how to sell eternal life and scare the hell out of people who don't give out of thier heart - Great scam and the quickest way to get rich ever invented

You have just made your first down payment on eternal life in heaven - Who is going to ask for thier money back ?

Answer 7

I was raised by moderate Baptists, and my extended family is deeply religious. I read the Bible many times, and spent years in Vacation Bible School, Sunday School and Bible study. I won several contests in High School reading aloud the Bible.

I didn't take becoming an atheist lightly.

I would give myself an 8.5. I am good with facts, history and archeaology, and I know the gist of the stories, names, etc, and what the stories are generally meant to mean. I am not so good on the exact quotations or imputed meanings in different versions.

Answer 8

I am a Christian and I am very much an intellectual. As for the rating, which is administered by you, I would say that I would be ...possibly a nine!

That Book, the Bible, is very deep and one cannot take the verses out of context! You have got to know these things : the time period, history, laws (man's and God's), customs and understanding of the author and his purpose/mandate.

Answer 9

I would have to say about a 9. I commend you for, although you do not share my beliefs, at least are familiar with our holy text and its main tenants. Please don't forget though, that not all Christians have been so all their lives. Many Christians don't read though whole Bible through before they are convicted of its truth. While that is no excuse for lack of study as they mature in their faith, unfortunately, what you say is true of some of us. No matter what a person's faith, they should always be studying and meditating on the text(s) that their faith is based upon in order to give an account of the basis for their beliefs.

Answer 10

11

Answer 11

I'd rate myself a 7 also. I grew up a fundie, I know the Bible by heart. I still read it just to stay informed, to look up answers to questions here in r+s, or to verify something my kids might ask.