[Modernman]

You're making a mistake if you think that anyone in their right mind who was a believer would care what an atheists "understanding" of the bible was.

Following that logic, a Jew could not be an expert on the New Testament. A Hindu couldn't be an expert on the Koran. And no one could be an expert on dead religions since they themselves do not practice those religions.

[Protagoras]

Let me guess, another atheist trying to establish his bonafides?

[Iscool]

Following that logic, a Jew could not be an expert on the New Testament. A Hindu couldn't be an expert on the Koran. And no one could be an expert on dead religions since they themselves do not practice those religions.

I don't see how any 'unsaved' Jew, Catholic or Baptist could be an expert on the New Testament outside of it's historical value...The Bible is not just another book...

[frgoff]

Following that logic, a Jew could not be an expert on the New Testament. A Hindu couldn't be an expert on the Koran. And no one could be an expert on dead religions since they themselves do not practice those religions.

Those experts generally consult the opinions and writings and arguments of believers of the faith.

For example, Jan Schipps, a Methodist, relies heavily upon the writings of faithful Mormons in her studies and insights of Mormon theology and scripture. She approaches Mormon sacred texts from the POSITION of a BELIEVING Mormon.

If you do the same as an atheist: operate from the presumption the Bible is a correct and true work, then you can be a legitimate expert in the book. Do you?