How many times have you studied the Bible?
Especially you Atheists that pull out a verse here and a verse there and try to claim it's a contradiction.
2007-12-07 15:11:50 · 45 answers · asked by Me 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Personally, I've read it through once. But I haven't been a Christian that long. I'm currently reading it through again. But that is on top of what I get through the preaching of God's Word, Personal Bible Study, and Group Bible Study. I am also working on a degree in Biblical Studies and Pastoral Theology.
I don't know everything about the Bible, and I don't claim to, and I never will. But I know enough to know that 100% of the "contradictions" that are brought up by atheists, are brought up by atheists that haven't barely even opened the book up.
2007-12-07 15:21:07 · update #1
An Atheist may read and know the text of the Bible but not the Context of the Bible..They are incapable of understanding it unless the spirit leads them to .
1Cr 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned.
2007-12-07 15:24:06 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
I've done so 18 times. Then I read it backwards 7 times, and then I read it through but just the even-numbered verses forwards twice, and then backwards, just the odd-numbered verses.
What the hell's your point? If you could address the contradictions, you would. This "how many times have you read it?" nonsense doesn't get you off the hook - it just makes you look desperate.
Besides, contradictions aren't the Bible's biggest problem. The main problem with the Bible is that it's simply wrong about several of its central claims (the whole "God" thing, souls, life after death, creationism, etc.). Or am I mistaken? Am I only imagining that the Bible claims that there's a God who created the universe? If I were as knowledgeable about the Bible as you are, would I learn that it doesn't make that particular false claim?
2007-12-07 15:16:12 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 3⤋
I have read the bible through six whole times. I went to private Christian school, where I memorized 15 verses every month for ten years. I went through a year of college bible courses. Those lectures were very interesting. I took them, because I had been taught that when you begin to have serious questions about the bible, you should go to the bible for your answers. I got them. The bible really is the only book you need to read to become an atheist.
2007-12-07 15:17:25 · answer #3 · answered by 2bzy 6 · 4⤊ 3⤋
Just the normal bible readings daily that I did for the first 15 years of my attendance at a Christian school.
And the weekly bible studies at my local penecostal church.
Then the occasional readings I did as an adult before I had my daughter.
Then in my quest I began reading other spiritual books as well, did you read other spiritual books or are you pigeon holed into the bible only that you cannot expand your horizons or see that their are other books and other beliefs besides yours?
Believe, I am a very well read atheist.
2007-12-07 15:31:50 · answer #4 · answered by Sapere Aude 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I am agnostic. I have tried to read the Bible but everytime the many absurdities overwhelm me. It could all be true but I just don't get it.
I think organized religion is caused by a pre death stress disorder intended to satisfy our need for order and meaning.
But that's OK because I am good enough and I am smart enough and dog gone it people like me.
2007-12-07 15:22:07 · answer #5 · answered by Kuntree 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Does an atheist have to read the bible cover to cover, every verse? No, I have not. It's usually hard to stay awake after the first paragraph. But, I've read enough of it to make an informed opinion.
What about everyday Christians? Other than fundie bible thumpers, how many of them have read it cover to cover? They don't even throw out verses here or there.. they just assume things.
2007-12-07 15:16:55 · answer #6 · answered by umwut? 6 · 5⤊ 2⤋
It really breaks my heart to read that some of you have gone to church and have read the Bible and don't believe in God!
I was not raised in a church, but when I was 9 years old God
made Him self known to me! Now I am 45 and I still believe.
How can you explain away all of the miracles that have happened to millions of people. Unless you believe and are
saved you will not be able to understand the Bible, or to really know God. ( Amazing Grace, I was blind but now I see!
2007-12-07 15:42:49 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
truthfully you've got me on this one... I've never read it cover to cover... but then again, how many christians (of any demonination) have EVER read the bible cover to cover? I guarantee you it isn't that many... and they're quick to pull verses here and there and use them as "proof" or contradictions. But I'm sure you don't see a problem with that.
2007-12-07 15:15:08 · answer #8 · answered by EVOX 5 · 5⤊ 1⤋
3 or 4 times(complete), though it was long ago. I was also a couple of years in bible study, so if you include single passages it should be more.
2007-12-07 15:22:19 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Well I grew up in a Catholic family, went to bible studies up until high school and now I'm an atheist. So to answer your question I've probably read it 3 times.
2007-12-07 15:14:37 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 2⤋