Constant Mews

Yes, Dave: who are these people you want to weigh in?

Mike PSS

Just to fill in one more of Davies "Lost Souls" list....

I've read it cover to cover. I reference it once in a while and read passages or chapters that are used by others during discussions to get a frame of reference.

I don't study it or research it though. Never was a Christian (my parents dabbled in Unitarianism when I was young) so I never had a compelling need to absorb the whole book.

I would think a college level Bible Analysis class would be interesting to take if I ever went back to school.

**EDIT** Dave, so what's your point? (appologies to pointy-headed ones, no pun intended )

VoxRat

Yeah. I've read the whole thing, cover to cover.

Large parts of it were extremely boring (long strings of "begats" are emblematic). Much of it is contradictory. But I believe some of it - certainly the New Testament, if that counts - is post-Bronze Age.

Now, are you EVER going to get around to answering

how much, and which parts, of Darwin have you read?

That would be really nice.

Silent Dave

Cover to cover. Twice.

Worldtraveller

Well, since dave's shown back up in this thread, he is obviously ignoring all the questions asking him why he felt the need to ask this question.

I'm still waiting to find out what his point was. I have a feeling I think I know where he thought it was going (and as usual, he was wrong), but I'd like to withold judgement.

I am also not going to actually answer his OP until he states his reasons for asking the question, if anyone cares.

Cheers,
Lane

stp2007

[This is so exciting. Maybe he is wondering about me. I'm not sure why. We've never spoken. I did ask a few questions once. He never answered. That doesn't make me special. Just part of a large and growing club. I know why he didn't answer. My questions were awkward for his point of view. Rational honest questions always are.]

I'll answer your question afdave. Growing up in a household devoid of religion I was never exposed to the bible other then through popular North American culture and similar references. I never been forced to read the bible and therefore have not read it.

I did try to read it twice, from start to finish, but bailed early both times when I encountered contradictory statements and additionally "historic" happenings which I was supposed to believe without any evidence given to support them [flud, 6 day creation, noah, etc.]. Not something I can swallow as a rational thinking person. I have (an continue to) carried out personal research on the subject (the bible and religion in general) which verifies (for me) that the bible is a work of fiction. I've never understood how a rational person can believe it is the inerrant word of god and still ignore the contradictions and errors it contains.

afdave, since, I've answered your question maybe you will do the courtesy of answering one of mine.

Have your children read the bible in its entirety? Please note I did not ask if they had had the bible read 'to' them or presented 'to' them in another manner. I'm curious if any of your children have sat down and read the bible from start to finish.

EssEff

This should be a poll. Yes, I've read the Bible. I was a believer until I read it for myself and realized what a heap of steaming *** it was.

Constant Mews

I certainly care. And like you, I have a guess concerning his reasons.

So, Dave - why did you start this thread? What did you hope to discover? Are you disappointed? Are you really so extraordinarily naive as to suppose that the many atheists here would not be familiar with the Bible?

Jayco

I think I can speak for a lot of atheists on the board when I say I was forced to read the Bible on many occasions.

Magdlyn

Parrot droppings? :blush: