Take a photo of a barcode or cover
A review by elcilor
The Book by Anonymous
This is the first time I’ve read the Bible. This version has an accessible text with an introductory section for each biblical book and a general introduction at the beginning of the Bible. Additionally, the texts are divided into paragraphs, often with italicized titles to help maintain clarity while reading this colossal text.
As a historical document, I found it a beautiful book. Not because of its 'factual density,' but rather in how the Jewish and later Christian people viewed themselves, with a detailed account of their origins. In the Old Testament, there is a somewhat cryptic description of the future, while in the New Testament, there is a clearer vision of what’s to come. Still, the final chapter, Revelation, seems to be more symbolic, given that Babylon had long lost any significant meaning on the world stage and is constantly referenced.
Many of the stories rang bells for me. The origins of many Dutch and English sayings appeared. Also, all those stories I mostly knew, but now I could read from beginning to end. Some passages were longer than I expected and could have been shorter (for example, the endless Jewish laws about offerings to God, especially in Leviticus), while other stories were unfortunately summarized more briefly than I had hoped. Think of the story of Jonah and the whale, or that of Adam and Eve, Noah and the flood, David and Goliath, Samson and his long hair. These stories flew by in a wink. The highlight for me were the stories of Joseph, King David, King Solomon, and of course Jesus in the New Testament.
I started as a freethinker with this book, and I remain one. However, I must say that I have gained more understanding of Christians and can better relate to why someone might be Christian. The texts in the New Testament were written relatively soon after Jesus' death (not very early, but earlier than I had assumed), and several authors are believed to have personally experienced Jesus. Someone like Simon Peter was one of the twelve apostles who witnessed Jesus’ 'medical miracles' and even saw him 'walk on water'. He was willing to lead a devoted Christian life full of persecution, which eventually led to his death in Rome. And he wasn’t the only one who fervently spread the message.
So why aren’t these testimonies convincing enough for me? The biggest reason I don’t tear my clothes in despair because I’m not among the 144,000 most devoted Christians (apart from science) is the Old Testament. This book would never be allowed to be published in a modern context if it didn’t already exist. Murder, rape, genocide, misogyny, incest, racism, justifying slavery, and hate speech - it's all there. Just take the ending of famous Psalm 137, which I’ll refrain from quoting out of decency on this site. It kind of ruins that song of Boney M.
That’s why Jesus was a refreshing change when I finally reached the New Testament. Jesus wasn’t much for rules, and for him, the adage “Love your neighbor as yourself” was key. Beautiful! But even Jesus expressed threats, and after his death (and supposed resurrection), there were occasionally things that left me stunned. For example, a very early Christian group agreed to share their possessions and spread the Gospel. However, a couple decided against sharing everything and lied about it to remain part of the group. The punishment? Both man and woman dropped dead on the spot after lying to the congregation. I hope that current Christian sects look more favorably toward such 'excesses'.
Additionally, my parents are both atheists, so I approach these matters more freely. I attended a school where religion played no role, and in my education, as well as in most of the Dutch culture I’ve grown up with, science is placed on a pedestal, not religion.
Still, I’m glad I read this book from cover to cover. It breathes Western culture and provides many explanations for why people acted the way they did in the past. Though I do find it strange that events like the Spanish Inquisition occurred. I have a hard time reconciling this with Jesus Christ.
I once heard a socially critical atheist say: “Christianity? A good idea, when do we start?” Although I remain a freethinker, and don't like the texts of authors like Paul that much, I can appreciate this romantic sentiment.
As a historical document, I found it a beautiful book. Not because of its 'factual density,' but rather in how the Jewish and later Christian people viewed themselves, with a detailed account of their origins. In the Old Testament, there is a somewhat cryptic description of the future, while in the New Testament, there is a clearer vision of what’s to come. Still, the final chapter, Revelation, seems to be more symbolic, given that Babylon had long lost any significant meaning on the world stage and is constantly referenced.
Many of the stories rang bells for me. The origins of many Dutch and English sayings appeared. Also, all those stories I mostly knew, but now I could read from beginning to end. Some passages were longer than I expected and could have been shorter (for example, the endless Jewish laws about offerings to God, especially in Leviticus), while other stories were unfortunately summarized more briefly than I had hoped. Think of the story of Jonah and the whale, or that of Adam and Eve, Noah and the flood, David and Goliath, Samson and his long hair. These stories flew by in a wink. The highlight for me were the stories of Joseph, King David, King Solomon, and of course Jesus in the New Testament.
I started as a freethinker with this book, and I remain one. However, I must say that I have gained more understanding of Christians and can better relate to why someone might be Christian. The texts in the New Testament were written relatively soon after Jesus' death (not very early, but earlier than I had assumed), and several authors are believed to have personally experienced Jesus. Someone like Simon Peter was one of the twelve apostles who witnessed Jesus’ 'medical miracles' and even saw him 'walk on water'. He was willing to lead a devoted Christian life full of persecution, which eventually led to his death in Rome. And he wasn’t the only one who fervently spread the message.
So why aren’t these testimonies convincing enough for me? The biggest reason I don’t tear my clothes in despair because I’m not among the 144,000 most devoted Christians (apart from science) is the Old Testament. This book would never be allowed to be published in a modern context if it didn’t already exist. Murder, rape, genocide, misogyny, incest, racism, justifying slavery, and hate speech - it's all there. Just take the ending of famous Psalm 137, which I’ll refrain from quoting out of decency on this site. It kind of ruins that song of Boney M.
That’s why Jesus was a refreshing change when I finally reached the New Testament. Jesus wasn’t much for rules, and for him, the adage “Love your neighbor as yourself” was key. Beautiful! But even Jesus expressed threats, and after his death (and supposed resurrection), there were occasionally things that left me stunned. For example, a very early Christian group agreed to share their possessions and spread the Gospel. However, a couple decided against sharing everything and lied about it to remain part of the group. The punishment? Both man and woman dropped dead on the spot after lying to the congregation. I hope that current Christian sects look more favorably toward such 'excesses'.
Additionally, my parents are both atheists, so I approach these matters more freely. I attended a school where religion played no role, and in my education, as well as in most of the Dutch culture I’ve grown up with, science is placed on a pedestal, not religion.
Still, I’m glad I read this book from cover to cover. It breathes Western culture and provides many explanations for why people acted the way they did in the past. Though I do find it strange that events like the Spanish Inquisition occurred. I have a hard time reconciling this with Jesus Christ.
I once heard a socially critical atheist say: “Christianity? A good idea, when do we start?” Although I remain a freethinker, and don't like the texts of authors like Paul that much, I can appreciate this romantic sentiment.