An Atheist Reading of Scripture

[irreveranceParticipant]

Below is a link to Sam Harris addressing the accusation that atheists tend to read religious scriptures literally. I’ve watched this a few times. The more I listen to it, the more his answer bothers me. He basically argues that a more moderate reading of scripture is a form of “cherry picking” in which the best parts are accepted and the worst parts ignored. Many passages, he asserts, can’t avoid reading literally. Furthermore, those who offer this criticism show a “failure to acknowledge just how many people really do approach these texts literally.” I actually find this bizarre. He effectively argues that a literal reading of scripture is the appropriate reading, and dismisses any other approach.

I know there are atheists, a/theists, and theists here. I would like to hear how others respond to this.

[cowboyjunkeyParticipant]

I’ve watched it once and I can’t see a coherent argument.

[Author]

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