from reading many, many, many answers here, i know that there are many atheists that have read the bible, if for no other reason than to "know thy enemy". & have tried to read the bible to try & gain an understanding of christianity & a stepping stool to learn other religions too (i would like to read as many different "holy books" as possible, & so why not start with what i have right available now). & so i've asked what is the best way to read the bible before, but the answers christians gave, did not sooth my soul, so i will ask the opinion of those who do not care much about the scripture how to read it.
2007-12-09 12:03:01 · 23 answers · asked by Anarchist Skywalker 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The best way to read it is with the attitude "Is this the word of God?" rather than "This is the word of God."
2007-12-09 12:06:44 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 9⤊ 0⤋
I agree with the answer Logan N gave. Here is a link to The Skeptic's Annotated Bible (and Quran and Book of Mormon), an online Reference Guide.
http://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/
An excellent book to read along side the bible is, "The Born Again Skeptic's Guide To The Bible," by Ruth Hurmence Green.
http://ffrf.org/books/bas/
Prometheus Books (publisher) also has a long list of books you will not find in the average bookstore. Many of these are excellent, as well.
http://www.prometheusbooks.com/
Bertrand Russel has also written much criticism about religion. A classic writing is, "Why I Am Not A Christian."
Good luck. I truly believe any logical person who actually reads the bible with a truly open mind will obviously reject it for the hyperbole it is.
========================================
I really liked the quote the earlier answer said .....let me see....how did it go?
........by Boles: AM Yahooligan
"The best way to read it is with the attitude "Is this the word of God?" rather than "This is the word of God.""
====================================
Boles, that is beautiful. Mind if I use your quote over and over and over again? It's so good I know I will not be able to keep it to myself!
2007-12-09 12:54:28 · answer #2 · answered by Yinzer from Sixburgh 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Read something like the Revised Standard Version (because the language is modern) but maybe also eventually follow-up with the King James Version.
As you read, I would suggest at the end of each chapter skim over the same chapter in the Skeptic's Annotated Bible, which points out where there may be contradictions within the text or with science or history, and other things.
As you finish, you may want to read books like "The Secret Origins of the Bible" by Tim Callahan and "Misquoting Jesus" by Bart D. Ehrman to get a feel for how the Bible stands up to textual criticism and the origins of many of its tales in previous mythologies.
2007-12-09 12:14:47 · answer #3 · answered by Logan 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Ive study the bible many circumstances, from start to end. i ought to declare even with the undeniable fact that it would not make me sense a connection with God/Jesus/Jehovah so i assume I study it without theory in it, although initially as i improve into christened a RC it improve right into a functional "device" to returned up RE classes. Now i'm older and wiser i will see that extracts that have been used have been taken out of context, yet I nevertheless don't comprehend how everybody might desire to worship a guy that improve into component of a international the place little ones have been killed and different issues which includes genocide , treachery, etc.... Why compliment a individual like that? we don't compliment the Al Queida will we?
2016-10-01 06:22:49 · answer #4 · answered by graybill 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unless an atheist was religious once, i find hard to comprehend one reading the Bible from cover to cover to "know thy enemy"
As far as reading the Bible, i would start with Book of John first, the start the New Testament from the beginning (Matthew) . Or you could just start at Genesis. Start with a study Bible - it has alot of references and lots of important footnotes, plus maps and historical data.
2007-12-09 12:12:22 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
i have read the bible six times, 3 times backwards, and 3 times forward, i liked to read it backwards best, cause it starts with revelations that way. i am not athiest, but i have read up on many religions, so try it backwards...thats the easiest way, cause the old test. is a little harder to read. or. you could just pick one book of the bible to read per week or whatever, and give yourself time to look up and do further research into the things you find that you question....
also if you are a skeptic and are looking for certain hypocritical points visit.
http://skepticsannotatedbible.com/
2007-12-09 12:12:52 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Since when is an atheist my "enemy"
There are many different versions of the bible and many different translation. Are you strictly talking about being against Christians, or do you feel hostility to all who have faith?
It's always good to have information on both sides of an argument, but what exactly are you going to argue about. Are you trying to change our minds? Are you trying to say that knowing God exists is the wrong way to live?
I have nothing against those who do not feel the same way as me. I only feel that there heart has turned away from a life of love with their creator, whether or not they want to admit it or not.
But I will not try to make them believe in what I do. Only they have the decision to accept God into their hearts. But I am not the one to banish them and deny them from entering Heaven.
2007-12-09 12:14:26 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
I'd start by reading about the sordid history of it. Then, read a chapter at a time. Warning: the Bible is the sickest, most violent and immoral book ever written. Don't read after eating.
2007-12-09 12:09:10 · answer #8 · answered by gelfling 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Actually, go ahead and read it with an open mind. Really read what it says and then decide if any of it rings true or not.
There are some really nice parts - especially when Jesus is "speaking" but all in all I find that the terrorism throughout overshadows the good.
2007-12-09 12:18:43 · answer #9 · answered by t_rex_is_mad 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Read the bible as what it is, mythology, just like every other culture on earth has had. Read it no differently than you would the Iliad or Enuma Elish or The Epic of Gilgamesh.
2007-12-09 12:11:24 · answer #10 · answered by Gawdless Heathen 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
WIth a notepad, write down everything in the bible stories that you find good and bad in two seperate lists. When you're done, compare the two lists and come up with your own opinion about these fairy tales.
2007-12-09 12:09:14 · answer #11 · answered by ibushido 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋