As an atheist, I couldn't agree more. The fastest way to become an atheist, as it's often pointed out, is to read the Bible, which explains why about 95% of the Christians I've known have never read it. When asked, they say things like "the _whole_ thing?" or "cover to cover?" as if it were the unabridged Oxford English Dictionary, instead of just a single volume. As a work of literature, with an unparalleled influence on Western culture, it's required reading for anyone interested in literature, philosophy, history, or related disciplines. As a blueprint for how to live your life, however, any reasonably ethical person will find its teachings to be at odds with modern ethics. More often than not, it's morally repugnant, and unapologetic about it, too. You won't hear about how backwards its morality is by going to church, though, and so you need to read it for yourself. Even Jesus, one of the most upright citizens in the book, is revealed to be as full of hate and vengeance as he is a "prince of peace."…
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