Weird morning. I work with the public, and as you can imagine I’ve seen a lot. Today it was an older man who out of the blue asked me if I read the Bible. Normally, I would deflect that question, but I was in a mood already this morning. I said no, I’m secular. He proceeded to tut-tut at me and try to explain that science was too full of unanswered questions and only the Bible has answers. Then he launched into a diatribe about the history of the church, where I clarified him on several points, as I actually specialized in ancient and medieval European history as an undergraduate. We agreed to disagree. My question is this...how do some of you handle similar situations? I know I shouldn’t have engaged with him, but an impish impulse took me. #religion #science #bible #history
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12 comments
Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.I would say it's true that science does not have all the answers as of now. That does not mean that what everything that is said in the bible is true though.
It's like saying, science cannot prove that there are no harp playing aliens on venus, therefore there are harp playing aliens on venus.
In some cases we believe what we want to believe.
Hope you have better customers in the future 
Have a nice one!
timeflies
Level 3
June 16, 2018
2
I DO read the English Standard Version simply because my cousin's let's just say... weird congregation uses it. He and his wife are raising their children in the same church. Me being me, I love to really question everything and share my opinions. I will indeed bring up my logical issues with the Bible next time he lectures my family.
MettaCompassion
Level 5
June 13, 2018
1
I'd answer 'Which translation'? There are quite a few and they do differ in subtle ways. Also would answer yes and that I'm grateful for the Bible because by knowing it one can easily see how theologians misuse what is contained in it to advance their counterfeit theological doctrines and values.
Most of all how grateful I am that the Bible revealed for me how false, evil and corrupt men who hawk religions are. But for the Bible showing up religions and the sick men who promote the hypocritical institutions they are, I might never have become atheist.
I'd say YES by all means read the Bible and ignore theologians twisting of it and you too can ascend to the level of atheist. Have a nice day. 
Silver1wun
Level 7
June 13, 2018
1
This was always my father’s strategy too-know more about the Bible than those who show up at your doorstep so that you could debate them and after a while they’re the ones checking their watch. I may have to follow his lead.
@PenLOP Whenever time permits I invite them in. They aren't comfortable with questions or comparisons of alleged principles that conflict in terms of reasoning. Mormons are even more fun. Most of the time they leave with backs more or less towards the door, grinning and promising to take up the quwstions with 'elders' or even retuen with them. What most of them are missing is the secular historic record within which their Bible stories are set.
I would meet the old guy head on with, “The Bible is just another book to me! I prefer Hindu scriptures. Every religion has its holy books, and they are all different. I get my religion from all sorts of books, and from life itself”. Have you read the Upanishads?
Old people are a PITA!
WilliamFleming
Level 8
June 12, 2018
1
You did the right thing. When bible thumpers come knocking at my door, I just tell them I am an atheist. They look dumbfounded, and I close the door.
SecularnRichmond
Level 4
June 12, 2018
2
I love that strategy! He did jump to the conclusion that I was an atheist, which I’m not really. Clearly he’s had a similar encounter before. But, I was kind of stuck talking to him as I was working. Sigh.
You could always go with "I'm shocked you would ask such a personal question" and walk away.
sewchick57
Level 7
June 12, 2018
4
That is also a good strategy. If I were in a better mood this morning....hmmm
@PenLOP I use that one because it deflects it back on them.
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