Biblical Criticism & Atheism: Why Bother with the Bible? (Book Notes: Losing Faith in Faith)
In Losing Faith in Faith: From Preacher to Atheist, Dan Barker writes:
Bible criticism, though relevant, is not necessary to atheism (God might be Brahma instead of Yahweh.) Some believers claim that it is unfair to reject Christianity until the Bible has been completely studied and correctly interpreted in the context of history and the “total unified message of Scripture.” ... But is this request fair? There are millions of unqualified Christians who have only the slightest familiarity with the Bible, yet their decision to believe is considered acceptable. Church pews are packed with biblically illiterate worshippers. If it is necessary to have a degree in theology before making an informed decision, then millions of Christians will have to be ushered out of church.
Even the least educated atheist knows enough about the Bible to decide it is not reliable. How many Christians know that much about the Koran? Yet they all feel qualified enough to discard Islam. Is a Baptist rejection of Hinduism based on an exhaustive analysis of the Vedas? Is it fair for a Catholic to dismiss Judaism before memorizing the Talmud? How many Lutherans or Pentecostals can quote even one passage from the Book of Mormon? Let’s be fair here: how many atheist books has the average Christian read? [emphasis added]
Christians will accept a profession of faith in Jesus with little or no evidence of any real knowledge and understanding of Christianity on the part of the person making the claim. Christians are also generally willing to dismiss the truth claims made by other religions with little to no knowledge and understanding of those religions themselves. Yet, if a person rejects Christianity, they are expected to be almost an expert — it’s expected that they have made a detailed study of the Bible and, if they haven’t, then Christians will insist that the person just doesn’t know enough to make the decision in question.
What’s ironic about such an attitude is the fact that, very often, atheists seem to know a great deal more about Christian history, doctrines, conflicts, and structure than do Christians generally or the Christians who are applying these double standards. Indeed, it’s usually after a lot of study and reflection that a person decides to leave Christianity and move on to atheism — study and reflection which involve significant reading on religion, philosophy, religious critique, and atheism.
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Comments
As I read this newsletter, more and more I am reflecting back upon what lead me to my decisions
Indeed, I did study it much, and even now, I seem to feel some kind of obligation that I should read every new argument christians have to make. I say it’s because I’m trying to keep an open mind, but in truth it’s probably the instilled obligation to worship, hoping that I can be one of the fold again :p
No more of that crap eh? Indeed, it’s a bunch of ignorant drivel. I look at the worshippers and tell them ‘I know more about your faith than you do’. They look at me in shock as I summarize passages telling them of god’s brutalities, contradictions, and mysteries. Of how he turns a woman to sand for looking upon destruction, curses youths for their parents’ actions, destroys those who seek truth, and would kill those who would not accept him, and those who would not follow his demand to sow their seed upon the widows of the dead.
Ha, in reading so much, it gets to the point where if I ever discovered that god according to the bible was somehow real, I’d still rather go to hell
At least fire’s not so bloody cold.
Tyciol said: ‘Ha, in reading so much, it gets to the point where if I ever discovered that god according to the bible was somehow real, I’d still rather go to hell At least fire’s not so bloody cold.’
I very much agree, having been much influenced myself by an essay at (http://tinyurl.com/mqjoe).
Regarding the second paragraph, I recall telling one Christian I know about a passage (deuteronomy 28:45-57) and its baby-eating content and received the reply ‘well I’ve read it and I didn’t see anything like that’ (read it for yourself: I doubt he did).
Incidentally if you ever want to give yourself nightmares about what Christians (in theory) want done to unbelievers then read the book of psalms :S (nasty).
You do not need to study any religious books to realise all organised religions are wrong and most are quite evil. ‘If you do not follow this religion you will burn in hell.’ Do believers in these religions ever have independent thoughts on what a god or gods really think? Would they create a species called Homo sapiens and then send rules for that species to follow.
I have three children and I have told them to worship me five times a day and say that I am the greatest father. Am I a little strict with them?
Whoa
Is that the best this site can do in providing enquirers information about Biblical Criticism (Analysis)?
I have a B.Sc and believe applying science to the Bible is rational and urgent.
What I’ve found is that scepticism regarding the historicity of the Bible is everywhere in retreat.
For example;
Dr. William Lane Craig California State University 2005
Resurrection: Fact or Fiction?
http://www.veritas.org/3.0_media/talks/146
Or Dr. Ben Witherington Ohio State University 2005
Jesus and Historical Fact
http://www.veritas.org/3.0_media/talks/412
Now as an atheist site you don’t have to provide a platform for opposing beliefs. But this is cutting edge research into the content of the New Testament and its overall reliability.
The argument that there is ignorance about religion even from adherents therefore atheists deserve to remain ignorant, is frankly pathetic.
We need more individuals dedicated to the truth.
I believe you let your enquirers down badly.
Really? Please support this claim.
Indeed, that is a pathetic argument. Fortunately, that isn’t an argument being made here. That you could so badly misread such a simple set of observations is quite interesting. Please try again.
To quote C.S.Lewis, all persons have a decision. “Jesus is either a liar, lunatic or Lord. He was not just a good example or sage. Lewis was an Atheist.
Take some more time with the prophecies fulfilled by Jesus. The numbers will astound you, 29 just in one day. The probability of 8 prophecies fulfilled a single person is 10 to the 17th power. source : Peter Stoner, “Science Speakes”
Hoax or History…
Thanks for your comments,
Roger