Can Atheists Be Formed Through Reading the Bible?

Quite possibly. My journey to atheism began early during my elementary school years when I was being indoctrinated into the Catholic religion and was made to read the Bible. The stories I encountered seemed unbelievable, and this initial skepticism ultimately led to my atheism. By eighth grade, I had completely stopped following the religion.

Atheists as Individuals

Atheists aren't a cohesive organization. While all atheists share the disbelief in the existence of gods, there is no consensus on what other beliefs are shared among them. Alleged holy books such as the Bible are often claimed but not substantiated with evidence. Without such evidence, there is no compelling reason for atheists to believe in the gods or the claims made about them.

Atheists do not cherry-pick their beliefs from a single source; it is the claim rather than the evidence that is often lacking. Believers assert their opinions without providing demonstrable evidence, which exposes their claims as personal opinions alone. These opinions are not conclusive and do not compel atheists to adopt them.

Free Will and God's Presence

Despite my resistance to believing, I have always viewed myself as one of God's children. I believe that God provided me with the free will to make informed choices, not to force me to believe. Through this lens, reading the Bible can be seen as a personal journey, much like a cookbook does not make someone a chef.

Understanding the Bible

The Bible is not a mere guide but a complex document that requires deep understanding and context. Without this, reading it can be akin to teaching university-level mathematics to a 12-year-old—misleading and confusing rather than enlightening.

Atheists, therefore, do not understand the Bible. It is like a foreign language that is challenging to parse without the proper frame of reference. For individuals who do read the Bible and try to make sense of its messages, it can feel more like a weaponized version of a story from the Bronze Age rather than a guide to faith.

The Quest for Salvation

Spiritual salvation is more than just reading the Bible. It involves a deep personal journey and often requires a community that can hold these personal beliefs. Atheists argue that one cannot receive salvation merely through reading the Bible; there are many other aspects and reflections needed.

The Bible and Christianity

The bigger question is how someone can remain a Christian after reading the Bible, especially while critically examining its contents and contradictions. Many Christians return to atheism after discovering the Bible's imperfections. Atheists do not hold any single religious belief; they do not prioritize one over another. Instead, they reject all religious beliefs, viewing them as mere opinions without solid evidence.

Perhaps it would be more insightful to question how someone can claim to be a Christian after reading the Bible and considering its claims about immortality and its various contradictions. This critical reflection can lead individuals to question the very basis of their faith.

Conclusion

Whether one can become an atheist through reading the Bible is a complex question. It depends on the individual, their context, and their capacity for critical thinking. While the Bible undoubtedly poses profound questions, its adherence to personal beliefs and willingness to question can result in a step away from religious faith.

For those interested in exploring these ideas, reading the Bible from a critical and analytical perspective is highly recommended. It can provide a fresh understanding of faith and its challenges.