(February 11, 2015 at 10:51 am)Pyrrho Wrote: You have just illustrated why it is good for atheists to read the Bible. That way, they can point out the fact that Christians almost universally ignore it, regardless of whatever pretenses they might make.
I don't think atheists need to read the Bible in order to refute it. I heard it said (I wish I could remember the source) that a scientist doesn't need to read Superman comics to know that a mild-mannered reporter didn't take an unprotected journey to the moon.
However, I do agree that it can help. I've read the Bible more than the vast majority of Christians because religion (any religion) fascinates me. Yet, it's been an added bonus of reading the Bible that I can see it for the mess of contradictions that it is--to the extent that I have an entire book I'm trying to get published on the subject.
It certainly makes it fun talking to theists when you can refute almost any of their doctrines using their own book.