AIBU to ask whether you own a Bible?

[BeanQuisine]

Just idle curiosity, really.

We often hear right-wingers insisting "This is a Christian country", whether we're in UK, Oz or the US etc.

So I'm wondering how many of us actually own Bibles, and whether we ever read them. I did read assorted bits of it in my youth, but don't currently own a Bible.

YABU: Whether Mumsnetters own Bibles or not is none of your business.

YANBU: It's a vaguely interesting question.

I had one for Christmas when I was 9. Still got it.
Don't believe in God anymore.

I have a Bible, a Quran and an assortment of occult books. I dip into all of them from time to time.

Yes, a couple of different adult ones. Plus some children's versions, stories etc.

Both DH and I were both raised Christian although we're rather lapsed now. DD's grandparents are all involved in church life though so DD is exposed to it even if ionisation a big part of our lives.

We also have an English translation of the Qu'ran that was given to DD when she went to the Mosque with her Pakistani friends.

Absolutely not. It concerns me if we still want an entire country to believe in a mystical all powerful being despite there being no evidence.

No and I don't want one either. YANBU for wondering.

yes. a few and in different languages

yawn

I don't own a Bible. I personally find religion in itself to be a borderline offensive curiosity. How superstitious cults like all organised religions hold so much power over people is simultaneously amusing and terrifying.

I am not religious either, and don't actually practice my religion of birth- not Christianity- but I think religious books often have beautiful writing, imagery, and impact on art and culture.
Hence why I do plan to read the Bible at some point, and also other religious books perhaps.
I think religion is fascinating in many ways, if you don't actually feel obliged to follow it!

Yes I do. I dont read it much as a prefer to listen to the aidiobook.

Just curious if you are trying to rage bait here? What's wrong with living in a christian country and following a christian way of life?

No.

I'm an atheist and have a bible, a quran, a torah, the traiphum (which I can't read), and somewhere I think I still have a book on Tao, though can't recall it's title.

Haven't opened any of them in a while, though.

Those shouting about it being a Christian country mean it’s a white country, nothing to do with a bible

@MistressoftheDarkSide I just wanted to address a few things you said back on page 4 ! of this thread (yes it's been bugging me since then!):

Half the Bible isn't even "Christian" but that's the part the blood thirsty and righteous seem to cling to.

So if we were to reduce the Bible to just what you would probably see as the Christian part (the gospels and epistles) then there would be much that Jesus, Paul and others refer to that would be completely baffling. Who's the Moses guy Jesus is talking about? Dunno! What about those covenants? No idea! The Old Testament is vital to understanding the New. You can't understand Hebrews without Leviticus. Revelation makes no sense without Daniel and other prophets. John loses so much without Genesis. That's why 'The Bible' is composed of many books that build a complete history and picture, from Genesis onwards Christ is foreshadowed.

The cynic in me is wondering how long it will be before Bible ownership is seen as some sort of measure of patriotism.

I fully believe the opposite of this will happen. Bibles will be banned one day and Christianity reviled. I kid you not, and that day is coming soon.

Christian Nationalists claim a belief in end times prophecy to bring about the second coming and "heaven on earth". Which is ironic, because their "pal" Jesus said that the kingdom of heaven is here on earth and within us, and was pretty vague about all that apocalyptic stuff.

Jesus was pretty clear about it, actually. Jesus in Luke 17:20-21 that you are mentioning was speaking to the Pharisees who thought the Kingdom would be a geopolitical thing, but Jesus tells them the Kingdom of God transcends politics and culture. The Pharisees were expecting a Messiah to liberate them from Roman rule. Jesus says the Kingdom of God is actually Himself "Behold, the Kingdom of God is in the midst of you" - which meant HE (the King) was in the midst of them, not a general 'oh the Kingdom is in all of you". He also meant His disciples (who have the Kingdom within them by virtue of the Holy Spirit), both then and now - expressed through 'the Church' - that is, those churches that teach doctrine, serve others and spread the gospel. Context is key! Even with the current Church age, the Kingdom isn't fully realised until the second coming of Christ when judgement will come and His Kingdom on Earth will be fully instated.

The 'apocalyptic stuff' is there in abundance but much is written using symbolic language. This isn't 'vague' it just needs more interpretation, usually using references from the Old Testament (another reason Christians need the OT!).

I am an atheist

i have 2 bibles and a sunday missal

i have read the bible at least twice but not for years

No wait,,,just found a Gideons

i thought i got it at school but its got my cousins name in

What's wrong with living in a christian country and following a christian way of life?

Nothing, but the loony lefties will call you "far-right".

There are huge swathes of literature, music and art which you can only partially engage with without a working knowledge of the Bible. Deliberate ignorance is deeply unappealing.

Thank you - spot on.

Or, as is becoming more popular now as 'far right' isn't enough: "Extreme Far Right" !

This! Also only 46% identify as Christian and the fastest growing group is no religion at 38% so we are in no way a Christian country.

Also in my experience those that “identify” as Christian ie tick a box when asked are generally those that live by the least Christian values:-

Love & Compassion: Showing empathy and taking action to help the vulnerable or those in need.
Forgiveness: Releasing bitterness and granting grace, just as followers believe Christ forgave them.
Integrity & Honesty: Ensuring that one's private actions and public words match, living truthfully.
Generosity: Freely sharing resources, time, and talents to serve others and support the community.
Humility: Putting the needs and well-being of others before self-promotion.
Justice: Standing up for fairness, protecting the oppressed, and acting with righteousness.

Most atheists I know have more of the above in their little fingers than the majority of “Christian’s” I come across.

I have one. For much the same reasons as I have a copy of Mein Kampf

Two family (DPs fam) bibles. But I wouldn't have them by choice to be honest. These are defaulted to us as no one else wants them - large family as well.

We did not own one but my mother was very religious and came to live with me for the last years of her life and it's one of the few books of hers I did not throw out. All her books were religious. So we have my mom's bible but we do not consider ourselves religious.

No.
Raised pretty catholic, couldn’t give a shite how and wouldn’t have one in my house.