A Short List of Resources for Those Seeking Truth

When searching for the truth in what you do or do not believe, you should always do your research. Read the scriptures [objectively], take notes, read others’ notes, etc… (Side note: I list an annotated Bible below, but you should always try to read the texts for yourself first before allowing someone else to dictate their meanings to you. This is a trap many fall in when going to church. The church leaders will always cover the good and seldom discuss the bad. You should also take in both sides and form your own interpretations.) In the process, you will begin to form your own opinions which should also be analyzed. In my opinion, beliefs and dis-beliefs should be constantly evaluated and tested. You should ask yourself why you believe what you believe. Do those beliefs still hold up when applied to the way the world [and universe] really works?

Losing your religion is not an easy path to take. Mine was no exception. This has been a long, slow, continuous [and sometimes painful] process. Many make the mistake of thinking that those who have turned away from Christianity do so quickly and without doing research. Many think that the only reason people turn away from the religion is because they’ve been hurt or because they see other members doing horrible things. While it is true that there are some that turn away in a quick, knee-jerk fashion, there are countless others that turn away because they began searching for the truth. My de-conversion actually came about because I was searching for evidence that would strengthen my faith. I have yet to find that evidence. What I have found has actually led me away from organized religion altogether. I’ve provided a few links to some material I have found helpful during my research. These are just a few of many resources out there. If you have any links that may be helpful to others, please list them in the comments.

• Bible Gateway – A large collection of various versions and translations of the Bible. This site contains the full text Bible for just about any version or translation you could think of. If you are researching a religion, you should always read the holy texts.
• Skeptic’s Annotated Bible – A complete copy of the Bible (King James Version) that has been annotated to show the good, the bad, and the contradictory. The Bible is often annotated by Christian writers who emphasize the good parts of the Bible. They try their best to explain away inconsistencies and atrocities etc. This annotated Bible “attempts to remedy this imbalance. It includes the entire text of the King James Version of the Bible, but without the pro-Bible propaganda.” The site also contains annotated versions of the Book of Mormon and the Quran.
• Why I’m not a Christian – An electronic copy of Betrand Russell’s classic essay from 1927.
• Pagan Origins of the Christ Myth – An interesting look at the history of Christianity and its parallels with (pre-Christianity) Pagan religions.
• The Jesus Puzzle – Presenting the case that there was no historical Jesus. At least not the one depicted in the Bible.
• The Jewish Roman World of Jesus – A list of writings that explore the early history of Christianity.
• Let the Stones Speak – An essay exploring archaeology and the Old Testament.
• An Evil God? by Daniel Florien – A blog series about why the Judeo-Christian god of the Bible is evil.  Daniel is just getting started with two chapters written (as of the writting of this post). It is well worth the time to take a look.