Syllabus Entry 15

The Skeptic's Annotated Bible

The Skeptic's Annotated Bible is less a conventional book than a comprehensive reference guide for critically examining the Bible from a secular perspective. Steve Wells annotates the biblical text with thousands of notes highlighting apparent contradictions, historical and scientific problems, failed prophecies, moral concerns, acts of violence, and passages that skeptics have long found difficult to reconcile with claims of divine inspiration. Because readers can evaluate the biblical passages for themselves alongside the annotations, the book encourages direct engagement with Scripture rather than reliance on secondhand criticism. Whether used as a cover-to-cover read or a reference during discussions and debates, it has become an indispensable resource for skeptics, former believers, and anyone interested in applying critical analysis to the Bible. For its exhaustive scope, ease of use, and unique contribution to biblical criticism, The Skeptic's Annotated Bible deserves its place as the number fifteen atheist book.