When a person asks: what is the best book to read for people considering atheism the answer is generally The Bible. Richard Dawkins says “The God of the Old Testament is arguably the most unpleasant character in all fiction.” Isaac Asimov wrote “The Bible is the most potent force for atheism ever conceived.” According to A.A.Milne “The Old Testament is responsible for more atheism … than any book ever written.” (For these and other quotes please see Belief & Unbelief by Barbara G. Walker)
I’m assuming most readers of this blog have access to a bible. I’m using the New Jerusalem version. I am not adding my own comments nor making any edits.
Genesis 19:8
Look, I have two daughters who are virgins. I am ready to send them out to you, for you to treat as you please, but do nothing to these men since now under the protection of my roof.
Leviticus 26: 27-30
…and if, in spite of this, you will not listen to me but go against me, I shall go against you in fury punish seven times over for your sins. You will eat the flesh of your own sons, you will eat the flesh of your own daughters.
1 Timothy 2:11-12
During instruction, a woman should be quiet and respectful. I give no permission for a woman to teach or to have authority over a man.
1 Peter 2:18
Slaves, you should obey your masters respectfully, not only those who are kind and reasonable but also those who are difficult to please.
Hosea 14:1
Samaria will pay the penalty for having rebelled against her God. They will fall by the sword, their little children will be dashed to pieces and their pregnant women disemboweled.
Isaiah 13:15-16
All those who are found will be stabbed, all those captured will fall by the sword, their babies dashed to pieces before their eyes, there houses plundered, their wives raped.
Psalm 137:9
A blessing on anyone who seizes your babies and shatters them against a rock!
Jeremiah 13:26
I am the one who pulls your skirts up over your face to let your shame be seen.
Matthew 5:29
If you right eye should be your downfall, tear it out and throw it away; for it will do you less harm to lose one part of yourself than to have your whole body thrown into hell.
I admit these quotes may not be persuasive. I’m more hopeful that it will at least cause some gastric discomfort in the believers.
