I would like to profess atheism, if not to have some solid ground on which to stand, but regrettably I cannot.

My question, then, is this: would reading the Bible (Old & New Testament) and the other myriad scripture of the major religions, benefit me in a secular sense? That is, would knowledge of these books matter to me, an agnostic, or is just having a cursory sense of the major religions be sufficient? I'm not terribly interested in theology, but I'm always up for learning more - if it's not in vain.

My other question, then, would be - how closely do most religions adhere to their holy books, and how much of it is individual interpretation? I've always been of the opinion that the former is more significant, but again I'm pretty ignorant on these matters.

Thanks.

Well, I personally would prefer to read the scriptures of many different religions. Particularly the philosophical ones would be helpful in an enlightening sense, but it's also always good to know what people (claim to) follow, in a broad sense.

I say go for it, as long as you can handle it. Particularly the Jewish and Christian works I personally would hold off on until later...just from the perspective that it could start messing with my mind...

If you do read on the religions, start with the ancient ones and move forward on a sort of timeline. This allows you to see the developement of religion and the evolution of the thought processes humans have used to create the doctrine. Before going into religion though, read the Code of Hammurabi (spelling?); it's essentially a legal form of older religion's moral codes, and even a large part of modern religions.

it would benefit you greatly because you would be able to make your final judgement using sources within your own mind. your opinion would be that much more forceful because you have knowledgable back-up. start off with buddhism because it truly is a beautiful way of life

[This message has been edited by salvia23 (edited 04-20-2004).]

yes, it would hepl you very much because it would open up many doors that you might not have known about before. keep an open mind with things and you'll find what your looking for.

If you don't read religious texts, then you're no worse off than you are now.

If you do read religious texts, it will likely strengthen your conviction one way or the other. (either "damn, this shit is stupid" or convert you and "hallelujah i've seen the light")

Be prepared to be bored out of your skull, though.

I think it would help. and i think hex has given it a good thought by doin a timeline. and as for it strengthenin how you think one way or another, i dont really think it will unless you let it. remember that if you dont want to believe in religion that means you dont have to take what is said as a definite yes or no. oyu can simply say, well those people had an intersting way to think about it.

quote:Originally posted by Craftian:

If you do read religious texts, it will likely strengthen your conviction one way or the other. (either "damn, this shit is stupid" or convert you and "hallelujah i've seen the light")

Be prepared to be bored out of your skull, though.

I seriously hope you're not that stupid...

What did I say that was stupid?

I stand by my statements. Religious texts are boring as hell and are likely to either have a profound effect on you or make you shake your head at people whbo believe them.

I think you shouldn't read anything but you should check out how ridiculous the bible can be.

I'm an agnostic and it just strengthens my conviction against Christianity. I favor Buddhism the most. I'm not Buddhist though.

http://www.thebricktestament.com/