The Atheist Handbook to the Old Testament, Volume 1 cover art

The Atheist Handbook to the Old Testament, Volume 1

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The Atheist Handbook to the Old Testament, Volume 1

By: Joshua Bowen
Narrated by: Seth Andrews
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About this listen

The Old Testament is a fierce battleground for atheists and Christian apologists, with each side accusing the other of taking challenging and troubling passages out of context. In this handbook, Joshua Bowen not only provides the background to the Old Testament and the ancient Near East, but engages with hotly contested topics like slavery, failed prophecy, and the authorship of debated Old Testament books.

This book provides:

  • clear and straightforward explanations to complex topics
  • direct engagement with hot-button Old Testament issues
  • specific arguments to help you in a debate or discussion

Whether you are looking to debate problematic Old Testament issues on social media or have a relaxed, meaningful discussion with a family member over coffee, The Atheist Handbook to the Old Testament is an indispensable resource for you.

©2021 Joshua Aaron Bowen (P)2021 Joshua Aaron Bowen
Atheism Bible Study Judaism Sacred writing Spirituality

Critic Reviews

"Exhibiting an enviable depth of knowledge across a wide range of texts and topics – and with more than a dollop of humor spread throughout – Bowen has written a useful and much-needed overview to some of the most significant topics in the study of the Hebrew Bible. You don’t bring a knife to a gunfight, and you shouldn’t go into a debate about the Bible without your copy of this book handy." (Dr. Joel Baden, Professor of Hebrew Bible, Yale Divinity School)

"This is more than a book about the Hebrew Bible. And it’s more than a book for atheists. It’s a masterclass in how to read and understand the Hebrew Bible on its own terms - and not those imposed by modern-day believers. An Atheist’s Handbook to the Old Testament digs down deep into those biblical texts so often used by fundamentalist Christians to render the Hebrew Bible a prophetic guidebook to their God - and turns their own arguments on their head. This book is essential reading for anyone who’d like the tools to excavate the Hebrew Bible for themselves with precision, skill and intellectual integrity." (Dr. Francesca Stavrakopoulou, Professor of Hebrew Bible and Ancient Religion, University of Exeter)

"Bowen's book reminds us that the Hebrew Bible is not precise, and the evidence is overwhelming that it wasn't written by Moses. This assembled compilation of works from unknown authors, editors and redactors promotes barbaric cruelty, and it contains failed prophecies and irreconcilable contradictions, such that a literal interpretation of all of it is untenable." (Aron Ra, Host of the Ra-Men Podcast, Board of Directors for American Atheists)

What listeners say about The Atheist Handbook to the Old Testament, Volume 1

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Great book if you like details

Although the information in this book is illuminating, there are parts of it that are really repetitive. At times the author repeats arguments to the point of 'flogging a dead horse'. This is definitely a book for the more academically inclined. I found the book hard to listen to in some parts (especially the genealogies and history of the Assyrian empire). I listened to the audiobook. It probably reads better than it sounds.
That said though, if you can muscle through the boring bits, the arguments and background discussions are thorough and sound.. For that, I give it a 4/5 rating.

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Very enjoyable, even for Christians

I enjoyed this book, the author promotes civil discussion, although he has his agenda, he is not promoting arguments or violence, he is promoting friendly conversation and an education for all.
He clearly has a lot of knowledge and experience both in his trade and teaching his trade.
As a Christian, I enjoyed hearing how they study the holy land and the ancient near east as a whole.
I will be purchasing part 2 of this series.
Thank you.

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Comprehensive

everything you could ask. sometimes Tue amount of specific information is a little overwhelming, but it's like a massive tool box that has just the right thing your looking for when you need it. Very excited for part 2.

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