Why Would An Atheist Read The Bible?

[nailit]

Why would a creationist read The God Delusion?

Anyway, Ive set myself a goal (always lived my life by goal setting, it focus's the mind) to read the entire Bible...Genesis to Revelation...in 3 months!
Ive read the entire Bible before, but forgot much of it, and after a few conversations at work (with Evangelicals) Ive decided to read the lot again. After 14 days I am currently at the first few chapters of Deuteronomy. Have struggled (but persevered) through meaningless chapter after after chapter of animal sacrifices in Numbers to meaningless chapter after chapter of ridiculous laws in Leviticus, with endless repetitions of genealogies and the endless repetition of killing animals because it is a *Pleasing aroma before the Lord*

I can quiet understand why Bible believers have never read the Bible.
Its Boring.
Its sick
Its Immoral
Its irrelevant

But I'll read it!
Can Bible believers understand why I will?
(for the next couple of months at least)
;-)

[jim360]

Cool, but I don't see how that replies to the point that every religion has a creation myth.

[naomi24]

Just as well, Theland. You'd be met with rationality - and that would never do. ;o)

[Theland]

Jim - I agree creation myths abound. But that fact proves nothing.

[naomi24]

But the fact that myths abound poses a question. Which, if any, is right - and how would we know?

[jim360]

It isn't meant to prove anything other than that the mere use of "In the beginning" isn't unique to the Bible.

[tamborine]

Christianity is the structure for life in UK & some other countries that Brits have influenced. Law, social cohesion, family life, community care & welfare are tenets derived from the bible - albeit updated to suit today. I hope you find the evidence in your reading.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_the_United_Kingdom

[Khandro]

jim is correct & until science comes up with a clear answer to the beginning of the universe & life on it, which it never will, man will, in all religions either avoid speculation, or create a metaphorical, poetical response to the question intuitively.
Try listening to Haydn's great oratorio, The Creation, for an 'answer'.

[Theland]

Nothing came walking out of Miller / Ureys test tubes and nothing ever will.
But it doesn't stop those who preach rationalism from simply being critical, without ever suggesting an alternative.
But of course simply being critical can be oh so entertaining can't it?
Even at the expense of shutting down a discussion.

[jim360]

"Never" is a long time. I mean, I agree that Science and scientists will never run out of questions to answer, but isn't that the point?

Also the Miller/Urey experiment isn't the pinnacle of scientific achievement; and, in any case, its 'failure' to lead to anything "walking out of the test tube" was hardly a surprise or a disappointment. It took Earth billions of years to go from formation to complex life; why are scientists branded a failure for being unable to match that achievement from barely a few decades?

[naomi24]

Theland, //it doesn't stop those who preach rationalism from simply being critical, without ever suggesting an alternative.//

Despite the absence of any evidence whatsoever, it could - just could - transpire that the universe was created by something supernatural. That, however, does not give credence to your claim that you know who or what that something supernatural was. That is where your whole argument really hits an unassailable stumbling block.

[Khandro]

I give up ! ta-ta.

[Zacs-Master]

But surely, that ‘supernatural’ entity would have had to manipulate atoms (or even create them) which is what we’d call science?

[naomi24]

Khandro, you disagree? Do you think you know who or what was responsible then - and if so why do you think you know?

[nailit]

//The bible begins with, "In the beginning."
It was way ahead of science//

WOW, Im almost converted with that ^ Divine knowledge...

[Khandro]

I've actually unsubscribed from this thread, but I've just popped back to give you this; a mere 3 minute snippit from what I mentioned above.
If you are lucky & receptive, you may get a glimpse of the Creation & God here.

[jim360]

I knew instantly it was by Haydn because it sounded like Mozart but not as good.

[andy-hughes]

Khandro - // If you are lucky & receptive, you may get a glimpse of the Creation & God here. //

Or you may get a glimpse of a musician with a lasting talent.

Perception is everything.

[steg]

//Its sick
Its Immoral
Its irrelevant//

Certainly got the makings of a braw book, if it’s got pictures I’m in

[Theland]

Yes Nailit, almost converted but not quite.
Your starting point is that there is no God, can't be, never was.
From then on anything you learn or are presented with for consideration, is doomed to failure because as far as supernaturalism is concerned, your mind is firmly made up already.
You are locked into a worldview of naturalism, and it looks like you are quite happy to remain there, using whatever knowledge you have to attack and mock believers for your own entertainment, or to gain kudos from those reading your posts.
So you are well qualified to answer your own question, "Why would an atheist read the bible?"

[Theland]

Khandro - Nice music. I always liked Herbert Von Karajan, once had an L.P. Of his, Enigma Variations I think it was. One of the best interpretations ever in my opinion.