The Atheist Handbook to the Old Testament, Volume 1

By: Joshua Bowen

Narrated by: Seth Andrews

The Old Testament is a fierce battleground for atheists and Christian apologists, with each side accusing the other of taking challenging and troubling passages out of context. In this handbook, Joshua Bowen not only provides the background to the Old Testament and the ancient Near East, but engages with hotly contested topics like slavery, failed prophecy, and the authorship of debated Old Testament books.

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.

©2021 Joshua Aaron Bowen (P)2021 Joshua Aaron Bowen

Critic reviews

"Exhibiting an enviable depth of knowledge across a wide range of texts and topics – and with more than a dollop of humor spread throughout – Bowen has written a useful and much-needed overview to some of the most significant topics in the study of the Hebrew Bible. You don’t bring a knife to a gunfight, and you shouldn’t go into a debate about the Bible without your copy of this book handy." (Dr. Joel Baden, Professor of Hebrew Bible, Yale Divinity School)

"This is more than a book about the Hebrew Bible. And it’s more than a book for atheists. It’s a masterclass in how to read and understand the Hebrew Bible on its own terms - and not those imposed by modern-day believers. An Atheist’s Handbook to the Old Testament digs down deep into those biblical texts so often used by fundamentalist Christians to render the Hebrew Bible a prophetic guidebook to their God - and turns their own arguments on their head. This book is essential reading for anyone who’d like the tools to excavate the Hebrew Bible for themselves with precision, skill and intellectual integrity." (Dr. Francesca Stavrakopoulou, Professor of Hebrew Bible and Ancient Religion, University of Exeter)

"Bowen's book reminds us that the Hebrew Bible is not precise, and the evidence is overwhelming that it wasn't written by Moses. This assembled compilation of works from unknown authors, editors and redactors promotes barbaric cruelty, and it contains failed prophecies and irreconcilable contradictions, such that a literal interpretation of all of it is untenable." (Aron Ra, Host of the Ra-Men Podcast, Board of Directors for American Atheists)

Extremely Well-Researched and Analyzed

Dr. Josh out together an amazing wealth of information from the best available academic and theological sources in this field. I learned a huge amount from his hard work and ability to look at all sides of an issue fairly and truly weigh the evidence.

Great listen 👍

I loved it, and had a great time listening to the breakdown of the arguments in historical and archaeological realms. thank you Dr. Josh.

The Good Book

There was a lot of content but Seth Andrews' narration made it easy. I love history, and I really enjoy biblical related topics, so this was a perfect combination for me. The book is worth the money, and the price is not all that much to start with. My recommendation, get the book

Definitely eye opening

Blazes through an overview of topics that come up all the time in the Atheist v Apologist discussion. I cant wait to get my hands on Vol 2

Fascinating history!

I loved hearing the book before I go back to read through Joshua Bowen's book!