judge

Ask them about the verse that says "love overpowers fear". That should really stir things up!

Barcode

Ask questions. It doesn't matter *what* you ask; but in my experience, asking normal, reasonable questions provokes responses along the lines of " only God knows the answer " or " why can't you see the truth "... enquiring minds are not (usually) welcome at these things.

Personally, I've always wanted to know how they explain away the parts where God admits to creating evil. The standard line is that evil events are due to humans and free will. Ask why their own Bible says differently, and why they contradict their own text.

But in a more tactful manner.

Vorkosigan

There's no point in being disruptive. I doubt you will ever persuade any of them to give up their beliefs, or even have much of an effect. All you will do is confirm their "atheists are assholes" stereotype.

The best thing you could, IMHO, is bring up some of the real scholarly stuff done over the last century on, say, the relationships among the Synoptics, or the dating of the gospels, etc. You could best arm yourself by reading one of the intro works, or exploring Mark Goodacre's NT Gateway, and bringing some stuff about that. Or even some of the real scholarship on Daniel, like John Collins' article in the Anchor Bible Dictionary, since many fundies are so obsessed with it. Remember, liberal Christians are not generally allied to political facists, but fundies often are. So secularism scores whenever someone transits from fundie to liberal. Our goal should be to turn unreasonable people into reasonable people regardless of their religious stance.

Vorkosigan

rebels

To me attending a Bible study group would be pure torture. If able asking who created God and prove it would get things going. In fact demand proof that Christ was the son of God. No doubt do anything like that and be booted out.

Steven Carr

To true. Try http://www.g5-forum.tk/ for an example,
where the leader wrote

'I won't try to embarass you by slagging you off; I won't do that.
However, I do believe that you are motivated entirely out of hate.....
.... This is sad, pathetic, selfish and will not be tolerated......
If you do not actually believe in God then I think you should stop
making comments upon the Bible

'if you make ONE MORE post which carries any connotations of abuse, then you will be instantly banned.'

Simply because I quoted the Bible a few times.....

Jules

As someone else has already said, going along to cause havok will only make them see you as a the 'stereotype atheist' with an attitude. Why not find out what passage they are going to be studying first. Do your own bit of research and take that along. After all this is a bible 'study' group isn't it?

I have found that bible study tends to be more about re'affirmation of belief than pure textural study. Go well armed with documentation that supports your viewpoint on the passage they are reading and see what happens.

Personally I have found that the greatest barrier to true study by Christians is the belief that anyone questioning any part of their faith is directed by the devil and consequently any waver of faith on their behalf is seen as the devil testing their faith! Try overcoming that one! (2 Cor 4:4) (2Cor 11:14) etc etc . . .

Don't expect a rational discussion!

Mike(ATL)

Depending on the group you'll probably get a mixed reaction. Were it my group we would be very glad you decided to come and do our best to answer your questions within reason in the group setting but if it goes on too long I'd probably ask you to speak with me after the class so that it doesn't take away from everyone else's time. Be honest about who you are and what you believe and in most settings you will probably be welcomed with open arms. I would always encourage anyone to attend any bible study that welcomes visitors.

maddog

I would advise against it. The bible study members are seeking companionship of the like-minded about something that is cherished deeply. Your attendance would be disruptive and cause pain. The likelihood of your having any effect except antagonizing them in their own fellowship is virtually nil, and won't be appreciated. The whole enterprise does not strike me as consistent with the virtues I would want my life to be about.

SpaceMonkey

Correct my spelling will you?



I've probably misrepresented myself.. I certainly wouldn't dominate the proceedings. Nor would I carry on like a bigot.

I'd just throw in a few legitimate topics. And perhaps ask a few questions about things that trouble me regarding their bizarre obsession with the afterlife and the supernatural.

Not in those words of course.

spin

I guess you're willing to alienate her as well?


My favourite problem is:

because by definition, God is physically unknowable, a person has no way of knowing God, as we get all our verifiable information via our senses. A schizophrenic (and I mean no criticism here of schizophrenia) can have conversations with beings which are not physically present, beings we would normally call totally fantastic. How can a theist separate his/her position from the schizophrenic?


spin