Do you think that atheists are peerless, on this site, in their knowledge of religion?

Question

I think that they have way more knowledge of Christianity than most Christians.

Answer 1

Well I know a little bit about christianity, Judaism, and Islam, as I have studied middle eastern manuscript and religious documents for over 40 years.
But I`m still learning..!!

Answer 2

I don't know about peerless, but most of us do have a good deal of knowledge as concerns christianity and religion in general. I often wonder why some folks think the average atheist is ignorant of the subject. I am amazed at some of the things religious folks regularly swallow.

Answer 3

The vast majority of the atheists who hang around on this site are far more knowledgeable about religion and the Bible and other "holy" books than the average believer in said religions and books.
There are of course exceptions. I am not counting those naifs who memorize Bible verses and spout them back like parrots.
However, most Christians are only familiar with less than 10% of the Bible. They know the stories (or THINK they do) that they have been told in Sunday school, and the same cherry-picked passages that are read repeatedly by their pastors....and that is about it.

For example, they are under the illusion that the four gospels tell the same story. It is only in their own minds that a cohesive story exists. When one reads the gospels in parallel with each other, the glaring differences and discrepancies appear. This cannot just be explained away. If this truly is the "greatest story ever told", then you would think the writers would agree on the details....especially if they claim to be speaking on behalf of the creator of the universe.

Answer 4

That's a silly question, would one really take the time it would take to be known as peerless on a subject they do not believe in?
Maybe you put too much weight on the words of the atheists. I think because you are atheist that you hold there thoughts to a higher standard. If you could judge unbias I think you'll see both groups don't understand religion completely. Not trying to offend but how many would say they understand all aspects of there religion? We know enough about it though to help others along with it. Even YOU!

Answer 5

I think most Atheists are well studied, like Orange Killer said, know your enemy. How else are you going to defend your opinion against someone who refuses to be objective? Atheists have to meet Christians on their own ground in order to prove a point, still then it's pointless! Who has more knowledge of Christianity remains to be seen in my opinion. I know I don't claim to have more knowledge than anyone. I do however keep an open mind.

Answer 6

There does seem to be a lot of atheist educated in religion. They also bring up some good debates. I, however, am not very knowledgeable of religion and I am an atheist. I don't fall into this category.

Answer 7

I don't think one can generalize on that level here. Within belief systems, including atheism, Christianity, and numerous other religions, there is a great heterogeneity of levels of cultural competence and knowledge of the tenets of other belief systems.

I will point out for example that your question has implicitly equated Christianity with all religion.

Answer 8

no, there are some very knowledgeable Christians around (Imacatholic comes to mind) I defer to them wen it comes to information about their particular brand of religion.. I know a lot about Christian belief, dogma and teaching, and I suppose I know the bible better than most of the so called "Christians" who frequent this site..

Answer 9

Nope. They may be more intellectually educated than most, but not all. And your question only focuses on one aspect of knowledge and how we obtain it. Mormons are challenged to educate themselves and to find out the truth on their own. But then again the Christians say we are not Christian anyway, so I won't lump us in with them. So yes, some atheists are more intelligent. But a lot of those on here claiming to not believe are harboring bitter resentments and deep down have no idea what they believe or don't believe.

Answer 10

Actually i think their running on the 'Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer' phrase. Lol.

But really, when you constantly need to defend your beliefs, you will need to be thorough on the facts and arguments.

Personally i think the reason they are atheists is because they know more about Christianity then the Christians, that's how i got started at least. Sorry if it sounds rude, but that's what happened to me.