Anyway, Ive set myself a goal (always lived my life by goal setting, it focus's the mind) to read the entire Bible...Genesis to Revelation...in 3 months!
Ive read the entire Bible before, but forgot much of it, and after a few conversations at work (with Evangelicals) Ive decided to read the lot again. After 14 days I am currently at the first few chapters of Deuteronomy. Have struggled (but persevered) through meaningless chapter after after chapter of animal sacrifices in Numbers to meaningless chapter after chapter of ridiculous laws in Leviticus, with endless repetitions of genealogies and the endless repetition of killing animals because it is a *Pleasing aroma before the Lord*
I can quiet understand why Bible believers have never read the Bible.
Its Boring.
Its sick
Its Immoral
Its irrelevant
But I'll read it!
Can Bible believers understand why I will?
(for the next couple of months at least)
;-)
Given your oft stated views on religion, specifically Christianity one might wonder if there's some confusion between 'labour of love' and 'self flagellation'.
I am noy Jewish, not from Jewish ancestors and have no intention of converting but I am doing Daf Yomi. Its an amazing opportunity to learn. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daf_Yomi
I read loads but a couple of books I found so boring I couldn't get past the first chapter .... one was Das Kapital and the other was the bible. I wish you lots of luck.
It's good to be informed about things, gives you a better understanding of where believers are coming from. I'm not a Muslim but have read the quran, I don't think you should restrict your literature to things you believe in.
I can no more understand why an atheist would want to read the bible than go to church every Sunday .I suppose it gives a little ammunition to some, as a perceived justification, to mock and sneer at those who have a faith and adhere to its scriptures.
In my humble opinion, you need a less adversarial attitude towards Christians.
Also, who tells you what to think?
I am not ashamed to say what I think, but regards telling others what they should think, er, no, not me guv.
It takes just 70 hours and 40 minutes to read the Bible through "at pulpit rate," and aloud! It takes only 52 hours and 20 minutes to read the Old Testament, and just 18 hours and 20 minutes to read the New Testament. The longest book, Psalms, will take just 4 hours and 28 minutes.