The things I've learned about the bible by not reading it:
1. The Bible is not the "end-all-be-all" of God. If you believe that, then you are sorely ignorant. Just because someone slapped together a few letters and historical documents and made a book called the bible, does not mean that God stopped influencing others and that we are not leaving in a time where God still has a presence. I believe that some authors of today, if alive back then, would have letters and stories in the bible as well. Keep that in mind.
(that said: that doesn't mean every book written about God is worthy enough to included in a modern day bible.)
2. Yes. The Bible was written by man. If it hadn't been written by man, then we wouldn't need a Bible to tell use the story of God in the first place.
3. Paul, sometimes, was a confused/conflicted idiot.
4. Seriously, who would you rather have written the bible, besides man, anyway?
5. The stories are old and, quite possibly, were passed down a while before someone wrote them down (besides the letters.) Stop dissecting it word for word, looking for in-continuities, or finding the minute details within the story. Seriously, it's like a game of telephone, you think everything is going to be told exactly as it was meant to? Take it for what it is supposed to be - a story. (ie: two of every animal? Who knows, but there was an arc, and there was a flood - I doubt every animal made the cut.)
6. God has anger issues.
7. Whoever did the numbering system had a LOT of time on their hands.
8. There are so many translations of the bible nowadays, I'm beginning to think if one doesn't know the original language then you'll never understand completely.
9. Just because you can memorize scriptures, and become "book smart" on what it says - effectively having a rebuttal to everything everyone does - does not make you a true follower. It's about your heart, not your mind; and it's not about what you know, but what you do with it. Give it a rest, you're not impressing anyone.
10. You can't learn anything about the bible unless you read it.
Mattias is an actor, writer, filmmaker, and editor currently living in Los Angeles, CA. He often writes about his observations about life, the human condition, spirituality, and relationships. He also enjoys writing about movies, pop culture, formula one, and current events. Often these writings are 'initial thoughts' and un-edited, as authentic as possible, and should be considered opinions. If you're interested in commenting on his work, or continuing the conversation, you should consider following him on Twitter or share an article on social media, where he would love to engage even further. Consider subscribing via RSS for more.