The Guardian UK takes on the History Channel's The Bible series

[longship]

4. I have Asimov's Guide to the Bible.

Both volumes. I have read them both.

I have not read the Bible, however. I once attempted it, but I could not get through the Pentateuch. Such dry language. Fucking Numbers is a soporific nightmare. (And I used to teach mathematics at both high school and college level! )

Another great podcast is Reasonable Doubts, also hosted by former devout Christians (now atheists). Of particular interest would be their two episode podcasts on "Cross Examining the Four Witnesses" which addresses textual criticism of the four gospels (episodes 26 and 27) and "Disunity of the Bible" (episodes 51 and 52 -- the second of which features Robert M. Price as an interviewee, the first time I heard him).

I am a lifelong atheist, but somehow I prefer to hear (or read) atheist arguments from people who have given up their formerly devout religion. After all, one cannot fully understand such devotion without that unique perspective. I respect that.

Thanks for your response.