"Properly read, the Bible is the most potent force for atheism ever conceived." [Asimov published a two-volume guide to the Bible that is nontheless very instructive.]
From "The Quotable Atheist" by Jack Huberman
2007-09-23 03:59:34 · 30 answers · asked by auntb93 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
My first reaction was, "Wow, that's true".. after considering it for a few.. my reaction is "wow.. that's TRUE!" lol
2007-09-23 04:02:08 · answer #1 · answered by Kallan 7 · 8⤊ 3⤋
I react with complete agreement. It is also the reason that I became an atheist. Most people only read the bible, they do not study it. To study something, you need to not only read it, but also discuss, debate and then contemplate it. This is when the fallacies and contradictions are brought to light. Another problem is that when people do read the bible, it is after they have already become religious. They don't look at it from a neutral point of view. Being already biased towards the idea of God, only makes it that much easier to believe. You cannot come away with an actual understanding of the bible, unless you start with an open mind. As we progress in our evolution, humans are learning more and more about the world around us. As this happens, it causes us to no longer need a god, as a way to explain things previously misunderstood. In the future, today's religions will be looked at with the same derision, usually reserved for worshipers of past Gods like Odin, Zeus or Ra. It is only a matter of time. Sadly, it will not be within my short life span.
2007-09-23 05:15:31 · answer #2 · answered by Danny 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sorry, no knee-jerk emotional reaction. This is the most often quoted line by Isaac Asimov who was a prolific writer.
Placing mind in gear, my thoughts on the quote would proceed as follows:
It is not an original concept, which goes back to the period of history called the Age on Enlightenment. It is based upon an illogical jump in a logical argument.
Many who profess that "there is no Divinity" have read the Bible and determined that the writing is flawed, biased and only placed into print to explain the forces of the Universe that could not otherwise be explained.
Even if this is true there is a huge leap from "much (or even all) of the Bible is flawed" to "there is no Divinity".
Reaction to the words and deeds of believers in the Bible is not the same as reactions to properly reading the Book in its original context.
If a person wishes to believe that there is no Divinity, then they will interpret everything in their environment to support this belief, the Bible included.
The same could also be said of a person who does believe in Divinity.
Few humans in the entire history of the species have ever claimed direct personal contact with Divinity. Most of these were probably driven insane (by the definition of the rest of humanity). The few that seemed to survive (and remain in contact with a social group) have all had a remarkable influence on the rest of humanity.
The very concept of Divinity is beyond the ability of the human mind. It is obvious that as intelligent and communicative as Isaac Asimov was, he was not one of these extremely few.
2007-09-23 04:47:31 · answer #3 · answered by Richard 7 · 7⤊ 0⤋
I agree, with some technicalities. A person repeating a lie does not make them a liar unless they are aware of the lie. Else, they're simply misinformed, repeating a lie told to them, perpetuating the non-sense. It's not malicious. It's just wrong. "I don't know" is far more responsible than repeating nonsense, regardless of the subject. Creationists are delusional, and delusional people are not to be trusted. Ones lying on purpose are arguably not at all stupid and well aware of their intentions, often very clever.
2016-04-05 21:35:28 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I read through the bible, then years later read Asimov's books. Both reinforced my atheism.
All believers should read the Asimov works. They are quite respectful, thoughtful and thought-provoking.
2007-09-23 04:17:32 · answer #5 · answered by link955 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The bible describes god as one might a demented, capricious, petulant child and demands that such a thing be worshiped. If most so-called 'Christians' actually took the time to read what is there, they'd be banning it from public school libraries, for sex, violence and all around obscenity.
2007-09-23 04:56:36 · answer #6 · answered by J K 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I react with agreement.
The only way you can read the Bible and NOT come away absolutely repulsed by its gratuitous barbarism and savagery is if you've not yet gotten over your childhood programming*, which insists, against all the evidence right there on the page, that it's the very canon of morality.
But in response people like "CJ" will simply quote Scripture to the effect that anybody who doesn't believe in Scripture is an unregenerate heathen sinner. Nice trick, but again, you have to already be brainwashed to buy into this kind of pretzeled reasoning.
* "But what about adult converts to Christianity?" Well, what about adult converts to, say, Islam? What, the former "Saw the light," while the latter are deranged crackpots?
2007-09-23 04:01:35 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 8⤊ 3⤋
Total nonesense. The Bible is nothing qua "force for atheism" compared to the fundies.
2007-09-23 04:09:43 · answer #8 · answered by anthonypaullloyd 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Bible is the greatest book ever written! It was written by fallible men under the inspiration of the third person of the Godhead,the Holy Spirit.Dictated by the second person of the Trinity known as the Word,or Michael/Jesus.Some bibles today, are written by unholy men/women&therefore, not sanctioned by God.Read who the authors are...search their ideas&lifestyles&see if the Biblical fruits are their!If not discard that book&search for that which adheres to Biblical righteousness. Call on the power of The Holy Spirit,by the Precious Blood of Jeesus Christ to lead&guide in that search... He will guide you to the Truth!!!
2016-01-05 05:08:07 · answer #9 · answered by Robert 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree. I too have read the Bible and thought the same thing, more or less.
I think it's terrible when atheists don't try not to be. I've read the Bible, the Koran, and dozens of books about those and other religions, and now I'm an agnostic, but I wouldn't be if I hadn't read all of those things first.
You shouldn't believe something if you don't know why you believe it.
2007-09-23 04:04:52 · answer #10 · answered by Jo'Dan 3 · 4⤊ 2⤋
Isaac knew and understood more than most. A special man who is missed very much. We need more like him today. He spoke the truth about the bible confirming Atheists views.
2007-09-23 04:06:30 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋