The Atheist Handbook to the Old Testament: Volume 2

By: Joshua Bowen

Narrated by: Seth Andrews

Following up on the popular first volume, The Atheist Handbook to the Old Testament: Volume 2 takes up the challenge of providing a clear and useful guide to those wanting a better understanding of the Old Testament, including its cultural and historical background, as well as discussions on contentious topics like violence and genocide, and whether the Exodus was a real historical event. Volume two also covers the narrative of the Old Testament, from the conquest to the divided monarchy, and a brief history of Egypt to help situate the biblical text within agreed historical events.

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.

©2022 Joshua Aaron Bowen (P)2022 Joshua Aaron Bowen

Critic reviews

"The chapters detailing the conquest of Canaan and the Exodus from Egypt accurately summarize the current state of our knowledge and beliefs, and are written in an accessible and understandable way, making them an excellent resource for people who are interested in learning more about how the biblical narrative relates to our knowledge of ancient history. I would not hesitate to assign both chapters to my own students." (Dr. Eric H. Cline, Professor of Classics, History, and Anthropology and Director, GWU Capitol Archaeological Institute, The George Washington University)

"Joshua Bowen’s The Atheist Handbook to the Old Testament: Volume Two will appeal to atheists and those of faith alike for its insightful examination of Scripture’s most problematic passages. Bowen’s approach to the topic is refreshing, for he encourages a respectful debate between atheists and believers over the historicity of the biblical narratives. In this book, Bowen presents an authoritative critique of Scripture’s historical and ethical claims based on the best and most recent scholarship, with a particular focus on textual and archaeological discoveries. He convincingly shows why a civil society cannot base its ethics on the ancient biblical texts." (Kenneth Atkinson, Professor of History, University of Northern Iowa)

"Dr. Bowen deftly distills Old Testament studies into a format accessible to those of us without a doctorate in the field. His book both tells and dismantles biblical stories, provides critical background and context, and helps us to enter discussions better informed and more prepared. It's essential reading." (Seth Andrews, Host of The Thinking Atheist podcast, author of Confessions of a Former Fox News Christian and Christianity Made Me Talk Like an Idiot)

Similarities of biblical tales to older tales.

I liked the whole thing, I will have to reference frequently but I’m glad he presented the apologist arguments with an explanation of why they don’t work.

Excellent critical approach to the Bible

Excellent critical approach to the Bible!
The summaries of the Biblical stories seem lengthy, but on the other hand perhaps some people don’t know them at all.

Great resource for believers and unbelievers

I enjoyed the thorough and unbiased analysis of the OT with other ANE texts. Dr. Bowen did a great job providing an accessible and comprehensive resource for those interested in the historicity of OT, laws on violence, slavery, rape, and adultery. Verbose at times, but worth the read.

Another brilliant book!!

Dr Bowen, in addition to being an amazing person, is a fantastic author who has managed to incorporate a wide range of information into a consumable piece of media.

Giving enough details to further research into topics that peaked your interest, citing sources of information on topics that aren’t his area of expertise ™️, and digging deeper into the similarities between the biblical timeframe, and the surrounding areas that was informative and interesting.

I’m eagerly awaiting the next volume, whenever he can get that put out.

Informative and concise

The author in parts, quite a bit of information about ancient near eastern material relating to the Bible. However, it is not excessively verbose, but it is understandable, and of a reasonable compass.

Excellent follow on

A very interesting and effective sequel, which builds on and elaborates several key ideas presented in Volume 1to Volume 1. Volume 2 very nicely summarizes the academic consensus in several theologically crucial research areas, such as exodus archeology. It also situates biblical literary origins in the region, and helps build understanding of the relationships between the bible and other near eastern texts. This series is perfect for lay readers who want access to academic debates and research conclusions, but lack the time for original research.

Very informative book

Every topic in this book is discussed in depth from different perspectives, including examples from ancient history and modern day and age.

Must have books both of them

We hope the author narrates his own, more natural i guess
nothing against "set andrew "

eye opening and truth telling

what an experience, the facts speak for themselves, do yourself a favor and read it.