I visited my local bookstore to peruse the selection of annotated Bibles.
I saw several varieties, inlcuding those geared toward Catholics, teens, the simple-minded, and other niche groups. I noticed that there don't seem to be any geared toward skeptics.
Does anybody know of a Bible whose annotations are primarily refutatory in nature?
Originally posted by DoctorScribbles I visited my local bookstore to peruse the selection of annotated Bibles.
I saw several varieties, inlcuding those geared toward Catholics, teens, the simple-minded, and other niche groups. I noticed that there don't seem to be any geared toward skeptics.
Does anybody know of a Bible whose annotations are primarily refutatory in nature?
i'm not sure if there are hard texts, but you can check out this soft text if you like. from what i can tell, it tries to point out inaccuracies and "absurdities" in the bible:
Originally posted by DoctorScribbles I visited my local bookstore to peruse the selection of annotated Bibles.
I saw several varieties, inlcuding those geared toward Catholics, teens, the simple-minded, and other niche groups. I noticed that there don't seem to be ...[text shortened]... w of a Bible whose annotations are primarily refutatory in nature?
Originally posted by LemonJello i'm not sure if there are hard texts, but you can check out this soft text if you like. from what i can tell, it tries to point out inaccuracies and "absurdities" in the bible:
http://skepticsannotatedbible.com/
Thank you. That is exactly the sort of annotation I had in mind. If there were a printed publication like this, it would be perfect.
Originally posted by Phlabibit Scribs... you need to cover this week by week.. I'd like to circle some key words here.
ES
Well, on first glance at the SAB, they seem to have already a done a tremendously thorough job. What a great project. I'm stunned that no publisher has picked up on this and put it into print.
Originally posted by DoctorScribbles Well, on first glance at the SAB, they seem to have already a done a tremendously thorough job. What a great project. I'm stunned that no publisher has picked up on this and put it into print.
Here is a gem
God makes the animals and parades them before Adam to see if any would strike his fancy. But none seem to have what it takes to please him. (Although he was tempted to go for the sheep.) After making the animals, God has Adam name them all. The naming of several million species must have kept Adam busy for a while. 2:18-20
Originally posted by DoctorScribbles Well, on first glance at the SAB, they seem to have already a done a tremendously thorough job. What a great project. I'm stunned that no publisher has picked up on this and put it into print.
I listened to an Infidel Guy episode where they talked to the dude who came up with the SAB. He said that Prometheus Books had considered publishing it, but that the format was too difficult to make it profitable to print. I don't know. Seems like they have a lot of cross-referenced bibles out there. Don't see why this has to be any different. You can still get it on CD, but that just isn't as effective when the fundies come knocking on your door. "Sure, come in. Here let me get my Bible so I can follow along." Open up laptop. Boot CD. Nope. It scares 'em away.
Another good bible would be Thomas Jefferson's version.
http://www.angelfire.com/co/JeffersonBible/
TJ takes out all the mythical stuff and tries to extract the good stuff. Short read.
Originally posted by LemonJello i'm not sure if there are hard texts, but you can check out this soft text if you like. from what i can tell, it tries to point out inaccuracies and "absurdities" in the bible:
Regarding critical Bible scholarship, the group often recognized as preeminent authorities on the historical analysis of Christianity is the "Westar Institute", which is a kind of think tank for some of the most rigorous Biblical scholars like Burton Mack, Dominic Crossan, Robert Funk, etc. (These are all highly credentialed professors, and most are also Christians). Here's the link...
http://virtualreligion.net/forum/
These scholars have published several books providing a word-by-word analysis of the New Testamant, including a probability factor for the likelihood that Jesus actually said what was attributed to him. (As I recall, in the end they estimated that about 50% of all words attributed to him were never spoken by him).
For Biblical criticism from an established Christian priest, I'd recommend Episcopalian Bishop John Shelby Spong. His books are very interesting. He has basically declared all the miracles -- including the virgin birth and resurrection -- to be myths. His last book was titled "Why Christianity Must Change Or Die." Not surprsingly, he has received death threats over the years.
Another interesting one is the former Dominican priest Matthew Fox. For his criticisms of Roman Catholicism he was ordered into one year of silence by the then "Cardinal" Ratzinger, partly because Fox tried to have dialogue with Wiccans (Witches) and Native American spiritual teachers. He was eventually forced out of the priesthood, but not before publishing several excellent books.
For extreme criticism of the Bible you can turn to writers like the German scholar G. A. Wells or the British researchers Gandy and Freke who have have all published books offering scholarly arguments that Jesus did not even exist.
Personally I think the Westar Institute (link above) offers the most balanced critique on the matter.
Can somebody recommend a Bible for me?
11 May '05 04:51
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