5 replies to this topic

[fesershapiny2102]

Over the last couple of weeks i have been listening to a podcast which has included two dramatisations, one of the navitiy and one of the passion.

 

I am an absolute complete atheist, I donot believe in religion at all but based on what i heard, i thought it might be interesting to read the bible but there seem to be so many different versions.

 

i donot wnat to start a thread about the pros and cons of religion. PLease do not turn this into a religion or anti religion thread.

 

As a fully fledged atheist, what version of bible should I read for the stories?

[1ae0bfb8]

any one you can find

[HeyYou]

King James version would likely be the easiest to read.

[Mudran]

I think there are children bibles with pictures . 

[masterdirector]

You need Jesus. 

 

Check your local library's website under their "Downloads" section and see if they have an app called Hoopla. It's got free ebooks, comics, movies, music albums, etc.  If your library offers it [pretty likely if you're in America], it's free with your library card. Some libraries let you sign up for a card online. Otherwise, drive to your nearest branch and get a card. If your license/photo ID has your address, that's likely all you'll need. Otherwise, take a piece of mail with your name and address. They should have you a card in under 5 minutes. Once you have a card, download Hoopla. Make an account, link your card when prompted.

 

Look up the Kingstone Bible. Here, I've got all the correct filters selected for you: 

https://www.hoopladi...page=1&sort=A_Z

It's Volumes 1 to 12. There are a few duplicates for some reason (e.g. two listings for Volume 1, Volume 3, etc). I'd just get the one with slightly more pages for each. It probably doesn't matter. 

 

That publisher also has some other potentially interesting series for you, like 101 Questions About the Bible & Christianity: 

https://www.hoopladi...es?comicType=CE

 

And The Christ:

https://www.hoopladi...sort=A_Z&page=1

Looking at the page numbers on this one, I'd start with the one called "The Christ" without any volume numbers. It's 145 pages while the others seem likely to all be 36 pages in that series. I'm betting that one collects the first four volumes (36 pages x 4 = 144 pages, close to 145 pages). 

 

If you don't want to go the graphic novel route, I'd suggest a study bible or annotated bible of some sort. I'd suggest the New Oxford Annotated Bible (NRSV - New Revised Standard Version). I think that'd be the best bet especially for an atheist wanting to read. NRSV is broadly accepted by Protestants, Catholics, and Orthodox Christians. There are some translation and interpretation nitpicks between those groups, but those aren't likely to matter to you. I just found a link to a cheap used copy for you (~$6 shipped) here: 

https://www.abebooks...GsaAoc4EALw_wcB

 

Alright, there's some options for you. Have fun. Find Jesus. Forever and ever Amen. 

[Pagafyr]

A bible is any story that has a history of the people, a family tree with all their names, and with stories of their lives.

 

If your family has a genealogy book and stories of your ancestors you already have your Family Bible,  Atheist or not.   A family book is the bible of your family and the lives they lead or led.  You can get serious and take courses in college to study all religions.

 

Just about any comic book in any comic book store could do too.  If you want the history of War's, the King James Old Testament is full of gory details about violence, crimes against their hero's, the losses in battles, and their god (who changes from a war god; to a kind and peace loving god; many times.).

 

The most prominent comic books actually have a long history of imaginary people also.  Which is a way to get information about fictional characters.

 

Marvel Comics

DC Comics

 

There are many more books from different orders of religion.  You could become a Theologian yourself and do justice to the study of religions and their Gods, or like many people who prefer the less realistic hero's and superhero's there are comic books and coloring books for your entertainment every where there is a bookstore.