Zephie Posted March 12, 2012 Share Posted March 12, 2012 Has anyone read the Bible after they deconverted? I am thinking of doing this while I live at home so the parents don't get too suspicious but also so I can read (and digest) some of the things I am reading. I have read so many time while ignoring the things I didn't want to see. Also, any resources you recommend? I have "The History of God" by Karen Armstrong and "Jesus, Interrupted" by Bart D. Erhman. I'm sure I've a few others. Basically, my focus will be on the events in the OT and looking for similarities. How did you feel after you read the Bible again? Did it enrage you? Make you sad? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Will02 Posted March 12, 2012 Share Posted March 12, 2012 Just touching a Bible is unpleasant for me these days. Reading the thing makes me feel ill because now that I’ve deconverted I can see god-approved atrocities and mental manipulation for what they really are instead of interpreting it as "those evil people deserved it" or "jesus loves us even though we are filthy sinners!" 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Overcame Faith Posted March 12, 2012 Share Posted March 12, 2012 I didn't just read the bible after deconversion, I studied it. I found that it confirmed that I had done the right thing by leaving the religion behind. So, for me, it was a most helpful exercise. I did not want to study it with any outside help so I consulted no source outside of the bible. I wanted the bible to stand on its own. I began by comparing the four gospels and that was very revealing. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zephie Posted March 12, 2012 Author Share Posted March 12, 2012 Just touching a Bible is unpleasant for me these days. Reading the thing makes me feel ill because now that I’ve deconverted I can see god-approved atrocities and mental manipulation for what they really are instead of interpreting it as "those evil people deserved it" or "jesus loves us even though we are filthy sinners!" I can completely understand and relate to this. I am hesitant to even pick the book up b/c I have come to associate it with negative events. I know what I will find... I didn't just read the bible after deconversion, I studied it. I found that it confirmed that I had done the right thing by leaving the religion behind. So, for me, it was a most helpful exercise. I did not want to study it with any outside help so I consulted no source outside of the bible. I wanted the bible to stand on its own. I began by comparing the four gospels and that was very revealing. However, that being said, I do want to study the Bible. I actually agree with OF that it can be a confirming activity that I have done the right thing for me. Honestly, I don't want to be swayed either way as I have pretty much chosen unbelief on the basis of many personal experiences and thoughts. I guess when it comes down to it, I want to start thinking critically about this book; it is the one book that I have read and believed in my whole life and not once have I ever really thought critically about what I read. When I see points that people make on this forum and other forums on this site, I am astounded and amazed. Why didn't I think of that? How could I have just accepted carte blanche this book for so long. Perhaps it is part of the process. My goal is not so much to debate others as I am terrible at it and veiw debate as conflict (which I really hate and dread). However, I feel that I have the right to be able to choose for myself what to believe and think while not letting others do the thinking for me. Apologies if this isn't all really coherent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcdaddy Posted March 12, 2012 Share Posted March 12, 2012 Just touching a Bible is unpleasant for me these days. Reading the thing makes me feel ill because now that I’ve deconverted I can see god-approved atrocities and mental manipulation for what they really are instead of interpreting it as "those evil people deserved it" or "jesus loves us even though we are filthy sinners!" I can completely understand and relate to this. I am hesitant to even pick the book up b/c I have come to associate it with negative events. I know what I will find... I didn't just read the bible after deconversion, I studied it. I found that it confirmed that I had done the right thing by leaving the religion behind. So, for me, it was a most helpful exercise. I did not want to study it with any outside help so I consulted no source outside of the bible. I wanted the bible to stand on its own. I began by comparing the four gospels and that was very revealing. However, that being said, I do want to study the Bible. I actually agree with OF that it can be a confirming activity that I have done the right thing for me. Honestly, I don't want to be swayed either way as I have pretty much chosen unbelief on the basis of many personal experiences and thoughts. I guess when it comes down to it, I want to start thinking critically about this book; it is the one book that I have read and believed in my whole life and not once have I ever really thought critically about what I read. When I see points that people make on this forum and other forums on this site, I am astounded and amazed. Why didn't I think of that? How could I have just accepted carte blanche this book for so long. Perhaps it is part of the process. My goal is not so much to debate others as I am terrible at it and veiw debate as conflict (which I really hate and dread). However, I feel that I have the right to be able to choose for myself what to believe and think while not letting others do the thinking for me. Apologies if this isn't all really coherent. It's called "voluntary brainwashing". or willful ignorance. blind faith. it has many names, but they all have one common denominator.... what i call, "beeing an id'jut fo' cheezus". 1Cor. 3:19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. As it is written: "He catches the wise in their craftiness" Right....although it also says: Proverbs 4:7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. So....get understanding! but wait... Job 37:24 "He respecteth not any that are wise of heart." ummm.....uhhh...........KABOOM! (head explodes) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zephie Posted March 12, 2012 Author Share Posted March 12, 2012 It's called "voluntary brainwashing". or willful ignorance. blind faith. it has many names, but they all have one common denominator.... what i call, "beeing an id'jut fo' cheezus". 1Cor. 3:19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. As it is written: "He catches the wise in their craftiness" Right....although it also says: Proverbs 4:7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. So....get understanding! but wait... Job 37:24 "He respecteth not any that are wise of heart." ummm.....uhhh...........KABOOM! (head explodes) Exactly! What I have seen time and time again is people truly looking for wisdom and truth. When they find it...inevitably it leads away from God...they are called foolish and ostracized. I guess I just want to look at this book with "fresh eyes" so to speak. Not glossing over the ugly parts anymore. My guess is that it will become much like the books of antiquities I studied in college. A collection of myths. Nothing more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mymistake Posted March 12, 2012 Share Posted March 12, 2012 Has anyone read the Bible after they deconverted? Yes. I learned more about the Bible during the year I was a liberal Christian and the 14 months since I have left Christianity than I learned in all the decades I studied the Bible as a fundamentalist put together. I am thinking of doing this while I live at home so the parents don't get too suspicious but also so I can read (and digest) some of the things I am reading. I have read so many time while ignoring the things I didn't want to see. Also, any resources you recommend? I have "The History of God" by Karen Armstrong and "Jesus, Interrupted" by Bart D. Erhman. I'm sure I've a few others. Basically, my focus will be on the events in the OT and looking for similarities. Online resources include http://skepticsannotatedbible.com/ And any youtube video made by nonstampcollector or Darkmatter2525. I like reading the Catholic version of the Bible because they have extra books and they don't try to force the Bible to be inerrant. How did you feel after you read the Bible again? Did it enrage you? Make you sad? Yes angry and sad because it hurts to see how misguided I was. Just wow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FeelHappy Posted March 12, 2012 Share Posted March 12, 2012 I still study the bible and read christian books. I highly doubt it will happen but if I ever am convinced again I'll reconvert. Anyways, everyone in my entire family if fundi so I like to study the bible to be better able to discuss their fundiness with them..... Ex. when the go off on how god's against drinking, I have a slew of scriptures to throw back at them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcdaddy Posted March 12, 2012 Share Posted March 12, 2012 I still study the bible and read christian books. I highly doubt it will happen but if I ever am convinced again I'll reconvert. Anyways, everyone in my entire family if fundi so I like to study the bible to be better able to discuss their fundiness with them..... Ex. when the go off on how god's against drinking, I have a slew of scriptures to throw back at them. So if God's against drinking, why the hell did he allow it to be physically possible to create alcohol?? shit like that always bugged me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
par4dcourse Posted March 12, 2012 Share Posted March 12, 2012 I know the bible well enough that I'm considered the family expert (yes, they know I'm atheist). I wouldn't read it again under threat of torture. If you're going to do it, then keep this thought in mind: primitive people trying to explain what they didn't understand, which was anything unrelated to sand and goats. Much like the modern day mid-east. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mymistake Posted March 12, 2012 Share Posted March 12, 2012 I still study the bible and read christian books. I highly doubt it will happen but if I ever am convinced again I'll reconvert. Anyways, everyone in my entire family if fundi so I like to study the bible to be better able to discuss their fundiness with them..... Ex. when the go off on how god's against drinking, I have a slew of scriptures to throw back at them. So if God's against drinking, why the hell did he allow it to be physically possible to create alcohol?? shit like that always bugged me. Because God is a troll. http://www.ranker.com/list/god-is-an-epic-troll-the-best-of-the-advice-god-meme/robert-wabash Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobbiPiazza Posted March 12, 2012 Share Posted March 12, 2012 Since I'm a recent ex-xtian, the coolest thing that comes to mind when reading your question, is "You can do whatever the fuck you want to do!!!!!" I still find it hard write the F-word without flinching, but the freedom I felt whilst throwing all my Bible copies into the trash was exhilirating! If you think it's a good idea, helpful to yourself, you can do it. If you think its a bad idea, not helpful to yourself, you can forget it. (Anyone else still grin at the sound of those words?) Imagine that - adults behaving rationally and in their own best interest! Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FeelHappy Posted March 12, 2012 Share Posted March 12, 2012 So if God's against drinking, why the hell did he allow it to be physically possible to create alcohol?? shit like that always bugged me. Why would god create the tree of the knowledge of good and evil only to tell Adam not to eat it knowing full well that adam would eat of it and then god had to send his son to redeem mankind.... But in any case god's not against drinking. The bible is very much for drinking in moderation, its later man who is against drinking, god never prohibited it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeverAgainV Posted March 13, 2012 Share Posted March 13, 2012 After deconverting, I threw away all of my bibles, except my Catholic one because the cult was anti Catholic & only used the KJV. (I have no traumatizing memories associated with my Catholic bible) However, as I deconverted, it became difficult to read the bible, especially the KJV, which is what the pastard used to preach. When I read the KJV, in my mind I could hear the pastards preaching voice, saying those bible verses. So I tried other versions...then I thought, I need a break from the bible & all of it's bad memories for me. In time, I didn't want to read it & I never have since then. If I need to reference a verse, I will go online for that. I'm sorry I am no help. But I do wish you luck in your studies. If you find some good stuff, please post & share. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
par4dcourse Posted March 13, 2012 Share Posted March 13, 2012 pastards preaching voice, saying those bible verses I like that! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrsRoper Posted March 13, 2012 Share Posted March 13, 2012 The only book I can get down with for pleasure is Ecclesiastes. I will occasionally whip that out just for fun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zephie Posted March 13, 2012 Author Share Posted March 13, 2012 Thankies for the input. I've checked out skeptics annotated bible quite frequently when I am at work. I like to read the different things that are in it. The day that I move out will be the day that I chunk the xtian cd's and the devotionals that i have in my room....Honestly, I don't even like reading the Bible. I know what's in there. Still, I feel like I need to know how to counter arguements and questions when they come from my parents. The funny thing is that my dad has been reading the bible once a year for several years and I guess he is not really paying attention to what he reads. Either that or he really is that hard hearted. I've several gripes against the Bible and xtianity. It's become painful to read it even during Sunday school and especially during service. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcdaddy Posted March 13, 2012 Share Posted March 13, 2012 So if God's against drinking, why the hell did he allow it to be physically possible to create alcohol?? shit like that always bugged me. Why would god create the tree of the knowledge of good and evil only to tell Adam not to eat it knowing full well that adam would eat of it and then god had to send his son to redeem mankind.... They ate the damn fruit BEFORE they had the ability to distinguish good from evil....so basically they were like dogs who don't have any clue when you bring it home the first time that its not okay to piss in the house. but we're punished for all time because the first man did something wrong that HE HAD NO IDEA WAS EVEN WRONG. thats like killing your dog for pissing in your house (the first time). now if he did it again, he knows better, technically. but those damn people didnt even know the diff bt good and evil at taht point. somehow thats lost on everybody (xians). dumb ass story. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dyanaprajna0 Posted March 13, 2012 Share Posted March 13, 2012 When I first left xtianity, I would occasionally pick up the bible and read it, but this time not for glossing over parts I didn't like, but to actually read what it said. Now, I still keep my bible on my bookshelf, but I don't ever pick it up. Sometimes I even intend to, but never get around to it. It's good to know what you rejected and why you did. But it's not really necessary to read the bible to understand it's all nonsense. Every person here had their brain ingrained with that crap, and can adequately explain why they left without ever having recourse to the bible. Of course, I love debating xtians on it, so I still study it and theological works from time to time. It all depends on what you're attempting to achieve. For some people, once they leave, it's best to never pick it up again. Me, I feel like I have a mission to explain to others exactly what I disagree with and why, in an attempt to hoping they will get the point. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FeelHappy Posted March 13, 2012 Share Posted March 13, 2012 I still like much of the bible, its got some interesting parts and its a good historical document (as in important throughout the last 2000-3000 years of history). I read homer also, I don't see how the bibles much different when i read it these days. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrsRoper Posted March 13, 2012 Share Posted March 13, 2012 Zephie, give yourself the knowledge if that makes you feel more powerful. But I wouldn't worry about having counter arguments too much, confidence & calmness are the best counter argument. And really it is on them to prove what they believe is based on facts, not you. You don't have to defend youself. Don't waste too much time getting in circular arguments that will frustrate you and your parents. I worried about this for years, my MO now with my own addicted to religion mother is: Look you raised me, you know I have character & integrity, I want a normal mother daughter relationship that is based on love and adult respect. If you want to have a relationship with me then you'll have to respect my well thought out adult decisions. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zephie Posted March 13, 2012 Author Share Posted March 13, 2012 Zephie, give yourself the knowledge if that makes you feel more powerful. But I wouldn't worry about having counter arguments too much, confidence & calmness are the best counter argument. And really it is on them to prove what they believe is based on facts, not you. You don't have to defend youself. Don't waste too much time getting in circular arguments that will frustrate you and your parents. I worried about this for years, my MO now with my own addicted to religion mother is: Look you raised me, you know I have character & integrity, I want a normal mother daughter relationship that is based on love and adult respect. If you want to have a relationship with me then you'll have to respect my well thought out adult decisions. I'm gonna have to add that to my favorites. Thankies. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suzy Posted March 13, 2012 Share Posted March 13, 2012 Reading the Bible as a deconvert is much more fun to me than ever as a Christian. As a Christian it frustrated me a lot because it gave to me lots of cognitive dissonance: for example I found God's actions evil and scary, yet I had to force myself to think uncritical of him and love him. That was horrible and at the end I mainly just read Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs, because the rest frustrated me so much. But now I'm free to approach it from a different point of view, I don't have to make up excuses for God, to force myself to love an evil monster and basically I'm free to think what I want of what I read. Also I'm starting to read books on critical Bible scholarship and it's actually fun to find out reality behind the myth. Having said that, I actually put away my Bible. As a Christian I kept it in my nigthstand and I read it every night. Not any more. When I study it I study it online. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zephie Posted March 13, 2012 Author Share Posted March 13, 2012 I actually went hog-wild with some free gnostic gospels from Amazon. It'll be interesting to read what wasn't included. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eugene39 Posted March 13, 2012 Share Posted March 13, 2012 The only book I can get down with for pleasure is Ecclesiastes. I will occasionally whip that out just for fun. Ecclesiastes ROCKS!!! It's obvious the last few verses were added in later, but other than that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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