Have you read the Bible, Qur'an, etc?

[saizai]

So I'm curious: what have you read?

Please check exactly three boxes - one about bible/qur'an, one about pro-theism books, one about pro-atheism books. For the latter two, what I mean is e.g. any third party book that directly discusses the topic, whether it be Dawkins, seminary books, evangelical training books, whatever, but not the primary source itself.


For text discussion: why have or haven't you read what you have or haven't read?

If you are a theist (of the three big ones), and haven't read the whole book cover to cover, why not?

If you haven't read the opposing viewpoint, why not?

If you have read a viewpoint you already agree with, why?

 

[Hokulele]

I have read both the Bible (more than once) and the Qur'an (once). However, I have also read much of the Upanishads, translations of texts from Confucious, Lao Tzu, Chuang Tzu, the Travel Diary by Basho, and a wonderful book called "Black Elk Speaks". I don't remember details about the last (this was many years ago), but it gave great insight into Native American philosophy at the time their culture was being systematically decimated. It would have been nice to have an option for "Other texts" as well as just western references. Some of these I read in conjunction with required reading for a comparative theology class I took in college, some was out of my own interest in religion and philosophy.

Regarding "Other theist texts", I have read C. S. Lewis and Paul Tillich (I think they count, I dont' really catagorize what I read).

Regarding "Atheist texts", I don't really like that category, as much of what I read would be classified as atheistic by certain standards. I don't go out of my way to read books proclaiming reasons for disbelief, as I formulated my own based on the reading list I provided earlier. I do consider myself as an atheist, but don't remember any "conversion" process, and it wasn't really based on any one work or influence.

As a very random side note, I would say that there are many books and short stories that I have read that contribute more to my personal philosophy than any outright religion text. Strangely enough, most of these are shelved in the "Science Fiction and Fantasy" shelves in most public libraries. For a short list, these include Robert Heinlein's "Stranger in a Strange Land", Roger Zelazny's Amber series as well as my favorite short story "A Rose for Ecclesiastes", and Arthur C. Clarke, particularly "The Star" and "The Nine Billion Names of God", which are diametrically opposed in the their themes oddly enough.

 

[kmortis]

I have read both the Bible (more than once) and the Qur'an (once). However, I have also read much of the Upanishads, translations of texts from Confucious, Lao Tzu, Chuang Tzu, the Travel Diary by Basho, and a wonderful book called "Black Elk Speaks". I don't remember details about the last (this was many years ago), but it gave great insight into Native American philosophy at the time their culture was being systematically decimated. It would have been nice to have an option for "Other texts" as well as just western references. Some of these I read in conjunction with required reading for a comparative theology class I took in college, some was out of my own interest in religion and philosophy.

Regarding "Other theist texts", I have read C. S. Lewis and Paul Tillich (I think they count, I dont' really catagorize what I read).

Regarding "Atheist texts", I don't really like that category, as much of what I read would be classified as atheistic by certain standards. I don't go out of my way to read books proclaiming reasons for disbelief, as I formulated my own based on the reading list I provided earlier. I do consider myself as an atheist, but don't remember any "conversion" process, and it wasn't really based on any one work or influence.

As a very random side note, I would say that there are many books and short stories that I have read that contribute more to my personal philosophy than any outright religion text. Strangely enough, most of these are shelved in the "Science Fiction and Fantasy" shelves in most public libraries. For a short list, these include Robert Heinlein's "Stranger in a Strange Land", Roger Zelazny's Amber series as well as my favorite short story "A Rose for Ecclesiastes", and Arthur C. Clarke, particularly "The Star" and "The Nine Billion Names of God", which are diametrically opposed in the their themes oddly enough.

IIRC, "Black Elk Speaks" was sppecifically about Lakota Souix spirituality. Sorry, the general "Native American" tag when it comes to religious practices is still a sore spot with me from my pagan days.

Basically, I echo Hokulele, except I've read the Qu'ran a few times. Once as part of a comparitive religion class in college, and at least twice since. I've also read the Elder Sagas, Rig Veda, the Avestas, and the Monty Python Paperbok.

 

[Apathia]

When I was a teenage theist I read the Bible through at least nine times.
I also read then Bertrand Russell's Why I Am Not A Christian,
Neither made an Atheist of me at that time.
Since this is past tense, I have not voted in the poll.

 

[Hokulele]

IIRC, "Black Elk Speaks" was sppecifically about Lakota Souix spirituality. Sorry, the general "Native American" tag when it comes to religious practices is still a sore spot with me from my pagan days.

Basically, I echo Hokulele, except I've read the Qu'ran a few times. Once as part of a comparitive religion class in college, and at least twice since. I've also read the Elder Sagas, Rig Veda, the Avestas, and the Monty Python Paperbok.

Thank you for the clarification. As I mentioned, this was a long time ago, and I did forget the details, the general tone is what I retained. Sorry, I will make sure I do not make this mistake in the future!

 

[saizai]

When I was a teenage theist I read the Bible through at least nine times.
I also read then Bertrand Russell's Why I Am Not A Christian,
Neither made an Atheist of me at that time.
Since this is past tense, I have not voted in the poll.

The poll is the combination of your current position and your history of reading. It's fine if there's a time offset.

 

[saizai]

It would have been nice to have an option for "Other texts" as well as just western references.

I thought of doing so for the primary question, but decided against it, because of context. However the two 'other texts' questions were intended to be more general, so long as they're clearly pro or anti theism, for some theism or another.

As a very random side note, I would say that there are many books and short stories that I have read that contribute more to my personal philosophy than any outright religion text. Strangely enough, most of these are shelved in the "Science Fiction and Fantasy" shelves in most public libraries. For a short list, these include Robert Heinlein's "Stranger in a Strange Land", Roger Zelazny's Amber series as well as my favorite short story "A Rose for Ecclesiastes", and Arthur C. Clarke, particularly "The Star" and "The Nine Billion Names of God", which are diametrically opposed in the their themes oddly enough.

*laugh* *nod*

I know a lot of people for whom Heinlein was an "OMG I could be poly?!" thing. I didn't even blink at that part. I have been recommended Amber but have yet to read it.

I'm not sure what (if any) books I'd consider to have shaped my philosophy, rather than simply been very enjoyable or interesting or touching.

 

[TriangleMan]

For Bible/Qur'an I voted partway because I've read the Qur'an cover-to-cover but have only read selected parts of the Bible, so I figure it evens out.

I primarily read science books instead of ones focusing on theism/non-theism but have read the odd one from time to time so I just voted one of each on the poll. Just not all that interested in delving into books discussing religion and philosophy, really.

 

[Hokulele]

I thought of doing so for the primary question, but decided against it, because of context. However the two 'other texts' questions were intended to be more general, so long as they're clearly pro or anti theism, for some theism or another.

I guess this then leads to the question, would you consider a Taoist text to be theistic?

 

[Meadmaker]

Didn't read the instructions until after voting, but I am an atheist or agnostic, and have read about half the Bible, and at least one of both sorts of books pro and con atheism or theism.

ETA: Like many, I started out a theist, and Bible study helped convert me.

(And, not that it matters, but even though I'm agnostic, I'm getting more religious lately. I'm finding that religion, by which I mean the rituals and particpation, are quite separate from faith. You don't really have to believe all that junk to appreciate it. )

 

[fromdownunder]

I have read the NT, and most of the OT, but I tend to skip the minor prophets, and concentrate mainly on the Penteteuch and "history" books. I have read bits of the Qu'ran, and I have also read chunks of the Book of Mormon. Does Scientology count?

As far as pro-religion books, it would be mostly YEC books relating to evolution, but since I consider these essentially religious books, yes. Plus two of Theirring's "Pesher Theory" books, Holy Blood, Holy Grail, a translation of the Dead Sea Scrolls, and others which I have forgotten about. I tend to go for the more far out stuff.

Pro-atheism? Age of Reason, a couple of Sagan, a number of sceptical works (names forgotten) and masses of on-line documentation. A book written by apostates of the Muslim faith ("Why I am Not A Muslim", I think the name was) and a book slamming Mormanism.

I also regularly read The Watchtower and Awake, put out by the JWs.

Since Heinlein has already been mentioned twice, I will add that I have read...well... everything he ever wrote (except the two most recently released posthumous novels, one of which was completed by Spider Robinson).

[off topic] For the record, and I probably do not need to say this but, Heinlein was not an atheist. I don't know what he was though. [/off topic]

Norm

 

[BPScooter]

Willing to reply, but...

I think I get the idea here, reading/not-reading, theist/atheist as two variables. When you cross them it makes a weird poll.

I am currently willing to identify myself as an atheist, but to myself only with myriad internal reasons.

My professional field has required me to be familiar with the history of Western religions, particularly Christianity, particularly with regard to music, and that gets to 1,000 deep debates.

Although I have not read the Bible anywhere near cover-to-cover, I know the difference between a Marian Antiphon and a Kyrie. I even know about how Calvin and Luther gave out differing ideas that changed music education in the Western world. One broke church organs and one wrote good tunes.

The and/or covers that, I guess.

That would put me toward the top, liturgically familiar non-believing, I suppose.

 

[brodski]

I have read all of the NT (Authorised version) and bits and pieces of the OT.
I’ve red the God delusion, and whilst I said that I haven’t read any (explicitly) pro-theist books, I have read plenty of philosophy books which tackle the issue from both sides.

ETA- I’m not counting my reading whist I was exploring Buddhism, as that was strictly neutral on the existence of god.

 

[kmortis]

Thank you for the clarification. As I mentioned, this was a long time ago, and I did forget the details, the general tone is what I retained. Sorry, I will make sure I do not make this mistake in the future!

It's ok. Like I said, it's a carry over from my days as a Pagan.

[derail]These people who claimed to have respect for "all religions" would lump all Native American and First Peoples' religions into a single category, as if the Lakota were the Huron were the Inuit. Hell, from the few "priests" I was able to talk to, the Souix weren't all that unified.[/derail]

For any who haven't read it, I do highly recommend "Black Elk Speaks". Not only does it give a glimpse into Oglala (oops, I just looked it up. It's not Lakota ) Souix beliefs, it's an excellent biography of a man who lived through some harsh times.

 

[Jekyll]

I ticked 4 boxes in protest of the lack of a planet X option (and I didn't read the opening post till after).

Although I said I've read pro theistic books, the books I've read tend to be apologetics, and written more a justification for belief not being invalid than a reason to believe.

 

[ReligionStudent]

Hey accidently hit submit before reading all choices, should also have hit:
I'm an atheist or agnostic, and I've read at least three PRO THEISM books
and at least 1 pro atheism book.

 

[bjornart]

Okay, I'm another one who didn't see the instructions, so the "atheist, no pro-theism books" cathegory should have one more vote.

I read about half the old testament when I was 12, got as far as the psalms before giving up proving my teacher wrong. (She said the bible was not a book to read cover to cover.) The silliness of the old testament made me an agnostic about god in general, and an atheist towards the god in the bible. Before that I was nothing in particular, pretty much non-religious with a pinch of cultural christianity.

I read the bible through while in uni, just because I hate leaving any book half finished, and I wanted to jot down references to the more absurd references, having milked Leviticus 18 for what it was worth through a whole decade.

And I recently read the God Delusion.

I've also made an attempt at the book of Mormon, but that's just not possible to read.

 

[Almo]

I'm more interested in history, science and politics, so I don't read about theism/atheism. I'm already comfortable with my atheist stance, and what that means for me and how I live my life. No need to flog the horse anymore; already went through that.

 

[Tanstaafl]

I think this is an excellent poll, but it would be better and more interesting if we could get more theists to participate.

Of course, it's not surprising that there aren't a whole lot of them around here, but I think there are enough to make the results more meaningful.

As for me, I have read the Bible and Qu'ran cover-to-cover as well as the Book of Mormon, and at least The Road Less Traveled as a pro-theism book. Probably a couple of others too, but I'm not sure. Lots of anti-theism books, not the least of which: The God Delusion.

 

[Ysidro]

I've read most of the Bible, except for some Old Testament stuff I never got around to finishing.

I've only read a small bit of the Qu'ran

I've not read any literature outside of the "holy books" either pro-theism or anti-theism. They simply don't interest me very much.