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.

Incredible

I listened to volume 1 and 2 back to back and am dying for 3! This was the most extensive and thorough guide to the old testament through a scholarly lense that I've heard. The historical context and knowledge I now have of the environment and cultures existing during the time periods the OT was written is now incredible!

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.