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Biblija – nesusipratimų šaltinis
Brianas Bakeris daugelį metų buvo fundamentalistu krikščioniu, dešimtmetį – vienos didžiausių Australijos bažnyčių pastoriumi. Iširus santuokai, jis atsistatydino iš dvasininko pareigų ir praleido metus gilindamasis į savo tikėjimą ir Biblijos patikimumą. Galų gale Brianas Bakeris suprato, kad krikščionybė turi didelių trūkumų, o pati Biblija yra ne kas kita, o žmogaus kūrybos, vaizduotės ir mitų, perduodamų iš kartos į kartą, rezultatas. Kadangi Biblija grindžiama gandais ir yra parašyta mažiausiai 40 skirtingų autorių, kurių nė vienas savo akimis neregėjo aprašomų įvykių, per maždaug 1600 metų laikotarpį, ji negali būti laikoma „įkvėpta Dievo“.
Ieškodamas atsakymų į kilusius klausimus, autorius iš tikinčiojo virto realistu, racionaliai mąstančiu skeptiku ir ateistu. 2009 m. jis išleido savo pirmąją knygą – „Nuo tikėjimo iki proto“, kurioje aprašo, kodėl daugiau nebetiki Dievu, angelais, demonais, velniu, dangumi, pragaru ar pomirtiniu gyvenimu.
Knygoje „Biblija – nesusipratimų šaltinis“ Brianas Bakeris, remdamasis Biblijos ištraukomis, atskleidžia jos netikslumus, nesutapimus, prieštaravimus ir fantazijas. Aptariami pagrindiniai, plačiai žinomi ir tiesa laikomi įvykiai, tokie kaip pasaulio sukūrimo istorija, Jėzaus nukryžiavimas ir prisikėlimas, su Jėzumi susijusios pranašystės. Nepamirštamas Jėzaus sugrįžimas ir krikščionių propaguojamos šeimos vertybės. Autorius taip pat visiškai paneigia maldos galią ir tvirtinimą, esą Dievas gydo sergančiuosius.
Tai nebus lengvas skaitinys daugeliui krikščionių, tikinčių, kad Biblija išties yra „Dievo žodis“, ir priimančių ją kaip absoliučią tiesą. Po daugelio ieškojimų ir tyrinėjimų metų Brianas Bakeris prisipažįsta buvęs apgautas ir suklaidintas, bet dabar sako: „Kartą buvau aklas, tačiau dabar aš regiu!“
Ieškodamas atsakymų į kilusius klausimus, autorius iš tikinčiojo virto realistu, racionaliai mąstančiu skeptiku ir ateistu. 2009 m. jis išleido savo pirmąją knygą – „Nuo tikėjimo iki proto“, kurioje aprašo, kodėl daugiau nebetiki Dievu, angelais, demonais, velniu, dangumi, pragaru ar pomirtiniu gyvenimu.
Knygoje „Biblija – nesusipratimų šaltinis“ Brianas Bakeris, remdamasis Biblijos ištraukomis, atskleidžia jos netikslumus, nesutapimus, prieštaravimus ir fantazijas. Aptariami pagrindiniai, plačiai žinomi ir tiesa laikomi įvykiai, tokie kaip pasaulio sukūrimo istorija, Jėzaus nukryžiavimas ir prisikėlimas, su Jėzumi susijusios pranašystės. Nepamirštamas Jėzaus sugrįžimas ir krikščionių propaguojamos šeimos vertybės. Autorius taip pat visiškai paneigia maldos galią ir tvirtinimą, esą Dievas gydo sergančiuosius.
Tai nebus lengvas skaitinys daugeliui krikščionių, tikinčių, kad Biblija išties yra „Dievo žodis“, ir priimančių ją kaip absoliučią tiesą. Po daugelio ieškojimų ir tyrinėjimų metų Brianas Bakeris prisipažįsta buvęs apgautas ir suklaidintas, bet dabar sako: „Kartą buvau aklas, tačiau dabar aš regiu!“
192 pages, Paperback
First published August 18, 2012
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281 people want to read
About the author
Brian Baker
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There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name
This profile may contain books from multiple authors of this name
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
October 24, 2023
Kad Bilblija yra mitų, legendų ir žmonių vaizduotės rinkinys jau žinojau, todėl ir tie teksto neatitikimai manęs nė kiek nestebina. Vis tik buvo įdomu juos patyrinėti, nors ir labai primityviai aprašytus - pasigedau autoriaus išmonės, gilesnių išvadų, istorinio konteksto ar psichologinio aptarimo (kodėl vis tik žmogaus sąmonei reikalingas tikėjimas).
Biblijos tekstas tikrai prieštaringas, neatitinkantis šiuolaikinio pasaulio realybės ir vertybių, dalis tekstų selektyviai užmirštami, kai tuo tarpu kiti vis dar tampa pagrindu ( pvz. kišantis į šeimos gyvenimą). Pats tikėjimas kupinas žiaurumo, genocido, moterų žeminimo, kopijuotas nuo kitų tikėjimų pranašysčių, bet mes visi laisvi rinktis kuo mes tikime ir tą laisvę aš visada ginsiu.
Biblijos tekstas tikrai prieštaringas, neatitinkantis šiuolaikinio pasaulio realybės ir vertybių, dalis tekstų selektyviai užmirštami, kai tuo tarpu kiti vis dar tampa pagrindu ( pvz. kišantis į šeimos gyvenimą). Pats tikėjimas kupinas žiaurumo, genocido, moterų žeminimo, kopijuotas nuo kitų tikėjimų pranašysčių, bet mes visi laisvi rinktis kuo mes tikime ir tą laisvę aš visada ginsiu.
October 24, 2013
PROs:
* Lots of ridiculous Bible verses
* Some good discussions about said verses
* Lots of topics covered
CONs:
* Can be tedious and repetitive due to the annoying KJV translation
* Definitely not a scholarly work
* Could have easily figured this all out of your own
One time fundamentalist Christian pastor turned atheist, Brian Baker points out the absurdities, contradictions, and atrocities contained in the Bible. Many topics are covered, from the Second Coming to the Flood myth. The author provides good context for the verses he uses, but it is hard to read due to the ancient translation, though his reasoning for using this translation is due to fundies thinking that it is the only inerrant version. I would have preferred him to actually go into more detail about what the verses mean, and the motivation of the authors who wrote them, but he pretty much leaves this up to you. He also doesn't even scratch the surface of how stupid the Bible is if taken literally, but he does a decent job. You're in for a treat if you've never read it before. The best part of the book is the first part, where he shows that both Jesus and Jesus' disciples are sure that his return was supposed to be during their lifetimes, not thousands of years later when people who aren't brainwashed aren't stupid enough to believe this "nonsense".
* Lots of ridiculous Bible verses
* Some good discussions about said verses
* Lots of topics covered
CONs:
* Can be tedious and repetitive due to the annoying KJV translation
* Definitely not a scholarly work
* Could have easily figured this all out of your own
One time fundamentalist Christian pastor turned atheist, Brian Baker points out the absurdities, contradictions, and atrocities contained in the Bible. Many topics are covered, from the Second Coming to the Flood myth. The author provides good context for the verses he uses, but it is hard to read due to the ancient translation, though his reasoning for using this translation is due to fundies thinking that it is the only inerrant version. I would have preferred him to actually go into more detail about what the verses mean, and the motivation of the authors who wrote them, but he pretty much leaves this up to you. He also doesn't even scratch the surface of how stupid the Bible is if taken literally, but he does a decent job. You're in for a treat if you've never read it before. The best part of the book is the first part, where he shows that both Jesus and Jesus' disciples are sure that his return was supposed to be during their lifetimes, not thousands of years later when people who aren't brainwashed aren't stupid enough to believe this "nonsense".
December 25, 2012
Needs an editor.
September 14, 2012
From the author's note on Amazon ~ "Brian Baker, was a 'born again' fundamentalist Christian for seventeen years. For ten of those years he was the founding pastor of one of Australia's largest churches (1979-89). Following the failure of his marriage, he resigned from the ministry and then spent the following few years seriously examining his faith and the veracity of the Bible. Finally he came to the conclusion that his Christian beliefs were seriously flawed and that the Bible is entirely the result of human invention, imaginations and myths passed down from generation to generation. As the Bible is then based on 'hearsay' and written by at least 40 different authors over a period of up to 1,600 years, none of whom were eyewitnesses to the events they recorded, it cannot substantiate the claim that it was 'inspired by God.' The result of Brian's search for evidence caused a personal transformation from believer to realist, rationalist, skeptic and atheist..."
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, partly because the author's journey through life somewhat mirrored my own which resulted in my own series, 'The Mormon Delusion', being written. This book is both logical and factual in its approach to the Bible. The evidence it presents in the cold light of day cannot be refuted. It leaves you in no doubt that belief in much of the nonsense in the Bible can only be maintained by choosing to have faith in fiction. Logic and reason as well as conclusive evidence must be completely ignored in order to believe it. Highly recommended work and well worth the read. Baker knows his stuff.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, partly because the author's journey through life somewhat mirrored my own which resulted in my own series, 'The Mormon Delusion', being written. This book is both logical and factual in its approach to the Bible. The evidence it presents in the cold light of day cannot be refuted. It leaves you in no doubt that belief in much of the nonsense in the Bible can only be maintained by choosing to have faith in fiction. Logic and reason as well as conclusive evidence must be completely ignored in order to believe it. Highly recommended work and well worth the read. Baker knows his stuff.
July 13, 2021
Deja, visiškai paviršutiniška knyga. Nesitikejau, kad žmogus tiek metų buvęs pamokslininku, šitaip primityviai supranta biblinį tekstą ir, kad tokio teksto analizei nereikalinga jam nei hermeneutika, nei egzegezė. Apie gilesnę teologiją net nekalbu.
Aišku, matosi asmeninė autoriaus (tikėtina, skaudi) patirtis, nusivylimas, bet kam iš to pagimdyti tokį pirmo kurso bakalauro studento lygio referatuką, nesuprantu.
O juk temos ir klausimai tikrai įdomūs, bet nieko daugiau apart jų knygoje vertingo nėra.
Aišku, matosi asmeninė autoriaus (tikėtina, skaudi) patirtis, nusivylimas, bet kam iš to pagimdyti tokį pirmo kurso bakalauro studento lygio referatuką, nesuprantu.
O juk temos ir klausimai tikrai įdomūs, bet nieko daugiau apart jų knygoje vertingo nėra.
January 13, 2018
The book is written by a former Christian fundamentalist minister and founding pastor of an Australian megachurch. He labels each chapter subtitle as nonsense, hence the title of the book. It is pretty standard fare. He starts off with Jesus’ second coming (was there even a first?) and ends with faith healing.
I have a few remarks connected to various parts of the text. Numbers in brackets [] indicate Kindle locations.
[322] “Until then [the Edict of Milan in 313 CE] Christians had been constantly persecuted by the Romans.” The claim of widespread persecution is not correct. For the most part, except for during short bursts, Christians were mainly left alone. The author my have thought this because that is what is taught to Christians to accept supposed modern persecution.
[392] “Every Jew would have immediately believed that Jesus was the Messiah! [if the tearing of curtain in the Temple that covers the Holy of Holies had occurred]” I think this maybe an exaggeration, not all Jews would be so quick to change deeply held beliefs.
[654] “*Therefore millions of Christians routinely break this commandment [work on the Sabbath].” So do many Jews.
[1882] In writing about his experiences with healing services he states: “I can only say that people certainly claimed to have been healed, especially when it was only a matter of minor problems such as muscular pains or headaches. There were others with more serious conditions who also believed that God was in the process of healing them after they had been prayed for.” While I would not agree, some believers give the healing credit to god for when it takes a natural course. There are doctors that claim their healing capabilities are due to god. As a personal note, I was diagnosed in 2016 with carcinoid tumors. Two test had indicted this. However, there were also two tests that did not agree. A biopsy of the liver showed these lesions were benign. It ended up being a hematoma (a collection of blood and blood clots). A friend of a friend, who is a Baptist and gave us rides to Georgetown hospital for doctors appointments and procedures, certainly pray for me, although not in front of me. While I am not positive, she might have felt that because of prayer the tumors and the stomach mass turn from malignant to benign. However, there were reasons to doubt the diagnoses in the first place. A urine test was negative and the scan that showed the carcinoid tumors in the liver showed nothing in the stomach mass (where it should have metastasize from to the liver). Luckily, the hematoma resolved itself, and my pain and other symptoms faded as it did so.
I do not feel this book is very good. Calling everything wrong with the Bible, while admirable, nonsense, does not seem to be a good approach if the author intends to convince Christians of their mistaken beliefs. Yes, their beliefs are mistaken. There are better books at debunking the Bible out there. I did not even learn anything new; every instance of “nonsense” I was already aware of.
I suppose if one wants a brief book that highlight some of the problems with the Bible it would be okay. I might suggest some books edited by John Loftus that do a better job here, which are written by scholars. However, they are not in general short like this book.
I have a few remarks connected to various parts of the text. Numbers in brackets [] indicate Kindle locations.
[322] “Until then [the Edict of Milan in 313 CE] Christians had been constantly persecuted by the Romans.” The claim of widespread persecution is not correct. For the most part, except for during short bursts, Christians were mainly left alone. The author my have thought this because that is what is taught to Christians to accept supposed modern persecution.
[392] “Every Jew would have immediately believed that Jesus was the Messiah! [if the tearing of curtain in the Temple that covers the Holy of Holies had occurred]” I think this maybe an exaggeration, not all Jews would be so quick to change deeply held beliefs.
[654] “*Therefore millions of Christians routinely break this commandment [work on the Sabbath].” So do many Jews.
[1882] In writing about his experiences with healing services he states: “I can only say that people certainly claimed to have been healed, especially when it was only a matter of minor problems such as muscular pains or headaches. There were others with more serious conditions who also believed that God was in the process of healing them after they had been prayed for.” While I would not agree, some believers give the healing credit to god for when it takes a natural course. There are doctors that claim their healing capabilities are due to god. As a personal note, I was diagnosed in 2016 with carcinoid tumors. Two test had indicted this. However, there were also two tests that did not agree. A biopsy of the liver showed these lesions were benign. It ended up being a hematoma (a collection of blood and blood clots). A friend of a friend, who is a Baptist and gave us rides to Georgetown hospital for doctors appointments and procedures, certainly pray for me, although not in front of me. While I am not positive, she might have felt that because of prayer the tumors and the stomach mass turn from malignant to benign. However, there were reasons to doubt the diagnoses in the first place. A urine test was negative and the scan that showed the carcinoid tumors in the liver showed nothing in the stomach mass (where it should have metastasize from to the liver). Luckily, the hematoma resolved itself, and my pain and other symptoms faded as it did so.
I do not feel this book is very good. Calling everything wrong with the Bible, while admirable, nonsense, does not seem to be a good approach if the author intends to convince Christians of their mistaken beliefs. Yes, their beliefs are mistaken. There are better books at debunking the Bible out there. I did not even learn anything new; every instance of “nonsense” I was already aware of.
I suppose if one wants a brief book that highlight some of the problems with the Bible it would be okay. I might suggest some books edited by John Loftus that do a better job here, which are written by scholars. However, they are not in general short like this book.
Read
May 28, 2014This book was a total disappointment. Baker's whole idea behind writing it was apparently to belch and spew more of the same disillusioned ramblings of someone who now hates the Christian faith and attempts to discredit it. The title "Nonsense" is the only redeeming word.
What I was hoping for is not a theological debate or more of the vitriolic bile of a Price or Dawkins.
He should have written his pain—his personal experience or 'testimony', his journey from faith to atheism. This would be a good read. But alas it was not.
My complaint is I am tired of complaints, of the endless debate, of cliché, of the illogic of discrediting a God that they don't even believe exists, of jabbing their stick of opinion into a hornet's nest of hate.
I rate this minus stars.
And now you are going to buy it?
About Brian Baker, the author: I would love to read his story. I know church cruelty, religious nonsense, and yes, some of the Biblical story has come down to us in contradictory form. The message of Grace is still there. And yes, I do wish and long for Christ's return to give a reality to faith and put an end to the hurt caused within the 'temple' walls.
Brian, write YOUR story. I will buy it with great anticipation of enjoying a good read. I think I do know how you feel and I am not wanting to explain away your current position of faith—or lack of it. I want to just listen.
What I was hoping for is not a theological debate or more of the vitriolic bile of a Price or Dawkins.
He should have written his pain—his personal experience or 'testimony', his journey from faith to atheism. This would be a good read. But alas it was not.
My complaint is I am tired of complaints, of the endless debate, of cliché, of the illogic of discrediting a God that they don't even believe exists, of jabbing their stick of opinion into a hornet's nest of hate.
I rate this minus stars.
And now you are going to buy it?
About Brian Baker, the author: I would love to read his story. I know church cruelty, religious nonsense, and yes, some of the Biblical story has come down to us in contradictory form. The message of Grace is still there. And yes, I do wish and long for Christ's return to give a reality to faith and put an end to the hurt caused within the 'temple' walls.
Brian, write YOUR story. I will buy it with great anticipation of enjoying a good read. I think I do know how you feel and I am not wanting to explain away your current position of faith—or lack of it. I want to just listen.
April 15, 2021
An Athiest's Bible Commentary
I can understand the bitterness and disillusionment given the author's personal history that may have prompted him to write this book. I felt very sad for him, but I also blame those within the Christian community, whose actions and deceptive practices probably pushed him away from a faith weakened by tragic circumstances. How does one reconcile a loving God to a world ravaged by war and an unimaginable holocaust? Perhaps this has led some to seek answers outside the Bible, since the God of the Bible appears absent and uncaring. For Christians this may be a tough read, but know this. The Bible has been criticized and condemned for thousands of years, but there are answers to these arguments, and the God who brought us this book through many flawed people is still willing to meet us at our doubts.
I can understand the bitterness and disillusionment given the author's personal history that may have prompted him to write this book. I felt very sad for him, but I also blame those within the Christian community, whose actions and deceptive practices probably pushed him away from a faith weakened by tragic circumstances. How does one reconcile a loving God to a world ravaged by war and an unimaginable holocaust? Perhaps this has led some to seek answers outside the Bible, since the God of the Bible appears absent and uncaring. For Christians this may be a tough read, but know this. The Bible has been criticized and condemned for thousands of years, but there are answers to these arguments, and the God who brought us this book through many flawed people is still willing to meet us at our doubts.
July 23, 2021
This book is great. Even though it's quite repetitive and basic, but it's perfect for a beginner who wants to learn about how the bible and religions around it just don't make any sense! There are a lot of citations from the bible, and the author shows a reader various contradictions, gives explanations, and tells us how the bible was written by many different authors in the time span of approximately 1600 years, and the information there just can't be true!
November 28, 2017
We know the stories in the Bible are like fairytales, but it was nice to get some specific details too. I'm not a fan of this "scandalous" writing style, but for some, the ridiculous religious ideas do raise a strong emotion.
For short nine-minute version of the contents, check this Youtube video about Bible contradictions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RB3g6...
For short nine-minute version of the contents, check this Youtube video about Bible contradictions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RB3g6...
December 16, 2017
Rational
Confirms my opinion that a book written by people
for its own people cannot be trusted .
So why is western society still so heavily influenced by
This book that does not hesitate to advocate killing
non- Jews.
Written for the chosen people only.
Confirms my opinion that a book written by people
for its own people cannot be trusted .
So why is western society still so heavily influenced by
This book that does not hesitate to advocate killing
non- Jews.
Written for the chosen people only.
April 4, 2023
Gyvenime neskaičiau tokios moksliškai nepagrįstos studijos. Nors autorius skelbia, kad Biblija tėra mitų kratinys, bet tuo kratiniu jis ir remiasi, padaro išvadas, genamas savotiško pykčio ir paniekos tikėjimui. Visi mes turim pasirinkimo laisvę, bet paniekos irgi neturi būti.
June 23, 2019
Geras biblijos gidas, tik mažokai analizės. Kai kur per glaustai pažiūrima į tuos nesusipratimus ir prieštaravimus.
August 12, 2020
Pikto vaiko, negavusio ko norėjo, rašliavos.
Iš konteksto išimtų eilučių kratinys.
Iš konteksto išimtų eilučių kratinys.
March 5, 2023
Knyga nereali. Bent jau man. Atsakė į visus mano klausimus. Ir dar bonusas - ją parašė žmogus, buvęs pastorius.
May 8, 2015
I knew there was violence, sex, and contradictions in the bible but man was this an eye opener. By "the good book", most of us should have already been stoned or burnt to death. All my life I was taught that "God is love" but through Brian Baker I learned God is egotistic, angry, self righteous, and cruel. I knew from a young age that it didn't feel right. It amazes me how people can still blindly follow something who commands and accepts killing, raping, and even cannibalism among other things. I can't imagine how Baker felt making the transition from being a pastor for 17 years to seeing the truth and actually bringing to light the passages in the bible that no one ever talks about or chalks up the barbarity of it to being "Old Testament" and yet choose to believe in Genesis/ Creationism, the ten commandments, Noah's Ark, and other silly stories. It further affirms my belief in remaining secular and believing in kindness.
Read
January 28, 2014Awesome proof of bible contradiction from the bible itself
I chose this rating because Brian brought to life quotes from the bible and stories from the bible that the bible itself contradicts. Brian shows how the bible in the old testament says one thing but something totally different in the new testament. even showing examples of books of the bible where Jesus says not to call someone a fool but then showing in another book of the bible where Jesus uses the word f fool to refer to a group. to me....Brian knows what he is talking about. it's not Brian doing the talking, it's Brian just spoon feeding (making it easy) details of the bible that the reader does not have to research to get an understanding of the bible nonsense. the end!
I chose this rating because Brian brought to life quotes from the bible and stories from the bible that the bible itself contradicts. Brian shows how the bible in the old testament says one thing but something totally different in the new testament. even showing examples of books of the bible where Jesus says not to call someone a fool but then showing in another book of the bible where Jesus uses the word f fool to refer to a group. to me....Brian knows what he is talking about. it's not Brian doing the talking, it's Brian just spoon feeding (making it easy) details of the bible that the reader does not have to research to get an understanding of the bible nonsense. the end!
May 5, 2015
When one applies logic and reason to the bible.
This book it's well written and an easy read, (which is a real accomplishment when dealing with the complexities of the bible). When one applies logic and reason to the bible instead of approaching the bible with awe and reverence, it simply doesn't hold up. Instead of starting at the beginning (book of genesis) he starts with revelations. The reason is of course because of the importance of that book to fundamentalists, but over all this is a very good demonstration of reason over superstition. Today's religions will be tomorrow's mythology.
This book it's well written and an easy read, (which is a real accomplishment when dealing with the complexities of the bible). When one applies logic and reason to the bible instead of approaching the bible with awe and reverence, it simply doesn't hold up. Instead of starting at the beginning (book of genesis) he starts with revelations. The reason is of course because of the importance of that book to fundamentalists, but over all this is a very good demonstration of reason over superstition. Today's religions will be tomorrow's mythology.
April 2, 2023
This was the first book I ever read about this subject. I read this over 3 years ago, so my motivations for reading it are already fuzzy in my memory, but I knew that I wanted to test my faith as a Christian and become better equipped to rebut the arguments of non-believers. In the end, the book was actually one of many catalysts that gave me the courage to move beyond Christianity and the need to live my life under a religion.
The author's fiercely sarcastic tone gets annoying at times, but the thought-provoking material for people who grew up with a literal belief in the Bible more than compensates.
The author's fiercely sarcastic tone gets annoying at times, but the thought-provoking material for people who grew up with a literal belief in the Bible more than compensates.
January 28, 2014
Well, there's plenty of books/stories about the absurdities of the bible, this one's kinda interesting because the guy was a pastor and has since turned his back, but more on that and less on going through the bible line-by-line and concluding every time with simply "nonsense" might have been better.
April 20, 2015
A challenge to your beliefs
I liked the book.It covered many things I..have questioned .It provides food for thought . Great if you are an atheist If not,then read with.an.open.mind .it never hurts to question what you are taught,especially if you are unsure .and need knowledge to help. You understand give it a. Try.
I liked the book.It covered many things I..have questioned .It provides food for thought . Great if you are an atheist If not,then read with.an.open.mind .it never hurts to question what you are taught,especially if you are unsure .and need knowledge to help. You understand give it a. Try.
May 8, 2015
From fundamentalist believer to fundamentalist atheist
The author is a self described former fundamentalist pastor who seems intent on convincing himself that his his previously held belief system is 180 degrees wrong. In the end, just as annoying as the rant of any religious fundamentalist.
The author is a self described former fundamentalist pastor who seems intent on convincing himself that his his previously held belief system is 180 degrees wrong. In the end, just as annoying as the rant of any religious fundamentalist.
January 8, 2013
Some of this was quite interesting, although I had heard a lot of it before. Information was fine but I found his style a bit irritating and snarky. I certainly prefer the more subtle wit of a Hitchens or a Dawkins rather than this. Useful information though.
August 11, 2014
The acerbic tone won't win over believers, but if you're already an atheist you can learn some great debate fodder from this book. As an ex born again preacher of several decades the author has an in depth knowledge of the bible, which he's now putting to far better use.
January 17, 2013
Much of this I already knew. I feel this is a good book for people who have never critically read the entire Bible for themselves. It may actually make them do so.
February 8, 2013
This is a pretty quick read. I found the information clear and to the point. Yes, I would recommend this book.
April 16, 2013
Good read. However, if you normally read books of this genre you have probably heard it before. I also thought the multiple translations were unnecessary though I can see why he included it.
November 29, 2014
Good read, good for beginners who are questioning the validity of the bible. It's nice to hear the perspective of an ex-pastor who has come around to reason.
December 25, 2014
Not a bad place to start for someone beginning to question their beliefs and not aware of the absurdities of the bible. Nothing really groundbreaking, though.
September 18, 2018
Very good book, with lots of valid points. Could have used more editing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews