140 of 169 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
What Does the Bible Really Say?, July 10, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: The X-Rated Bible: An Irreverent Survey of Sex in the Scriptures (Paperback)
"The X-Rated Bible," a survey of sex in the Holy Bible, is simply one of the best books on the market. It should be mandatory reading, particularly in consideration of the fact that the "Good Book" is pushed worldwide as "God's Word." As "X-Rated's" author, Ben Akerley, points out in detail, the Old Testament is full of sexual perversion, not only on the part of "infidels" but also on that of the "chosen people," whom most people have been led to believe were godly, pious individuals who never did anything remotely "bad." Au contraire! The "great patriarchs" and "heroes" of the Old Testament would be considered perverts and criminals by today's social and moral standards. But the New Testament also does not escape criticism, as Akerley reveals the bizarre and pathological attitudes regarding sex therein as well.
When "The X-Rated Bible" first came out in 1985, even though it was published by a small company it received some serious attention, and Akerley was forced into debates on radio and TV programs. His critics were unable to point out any serious flaws in his work and research - because he was merely quoting the "Holy Scriptures," not making anything up! For freethinkers and believers alike, Akerley has done a great service, because the Bible is a manual designed to manipulate the masses. The fact that very few believers actually read the "Good Book" and know little about its endless chronicling of perversion and genocide, constitutes proof that it serves as mind-control, as does the fact that those selfsame believers mindlessly believe the Bible is some great, spiritual work because their priests and pastors have selectively fed them "feel-good" passages. In reality, a close examination of the Bible will nauseate all but the most insensate. As the great statesman Thomas Paine said, quoted by Akerley:
"Whenever we read the obscene stories, the voluptuous debaucheries, the cruel and torturous executions, the unrelenting vindictiveness, with which more than half the Bible is filled, it would be more consistent that we called it the word of a demon than the word of God. It is a history of wickedness, that has served to corrupt and brutalize mankind; and, for my part, I sincerely detest it, as I detest everything that is cruel."
And the eminent freethinker Robert Ingersoll stated:
"Nobody holds with greater contempt than I the writers, publishers, or dealers in obscene literature. One of my objections to the Bible is that it contains hundreds of grossly obscene passages not fit to be read by any decent man; thousands of passages, in my judgment, calculated to corrupt the minds of youth."
Ben Akerley has compiled these various obscene passages in one easy-to-read book that loosens the bonds of erroneous beliefs which have caused inconceivable carnage and turmoil upon this planet. And his wonderful work has now been re-published in a beautifully done layout by the experts at Feral House. The back cover blurb runs, "That's right, friends. We're talking about the Holy Bible, a book filled with incest, rape, adultery, exhibitionism, debauchery, abortion, prostitution, drugs, bestiality, castration, scatology - all the nasty stuff!" In exposing the Bible's "dirty little secrets," Akerley cites scripture, chapter and verse, and explains sexual euphemisms and innuendoes designed to go over the heads of the common folk, which they obviously have. "The X-rated Bible" is truly a unique book that should be read by all who are interested in what the Bible really says.
Acharya S Archaeologist, Historian, Mythologist, Linguist Member, American School of Classical Studies
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
20 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Naughty, naughty, October 29, 2001
By A Customer
This review is from: The X-Rated Bible: An Irreverent Survey of Sex in the Scriptures (Paperback)
If you have a drop of irreverent blood in your veins, you'll get a big kick out of this book. It deals with the most believable aspect of the Bible: that people were no different then than now. Just as crazy, just as horny. Also just as nasty to one another.
Mr. Akerley does a good job of presenting this ribald side of the Holy Book, and when it's not diluted by less interesting material, it makes quite an impression.
I'm waiting for the companion book, tentatively titled "The Blood-soaked Bible: A Gruesome Survey of Violence in the Scriptures."
I understand there's a problem at the publishers, as it's turning out to be a four-volume set.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
41 of 53 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Serious, in-depth analysis. Not for those who want erotica, November 13, 2003
This review is from: The X-Rated Bible: An Irreverent Survey of Sex in the Scriptures (Paperback)
Those who have given this book negative reviews just by "coincidence" happen to be either religious fanatics or disappointed people who were looking for erotic literature, but instead saw that this work was all about showing that the Bible is not as "good" a book as the Church wants us to think it is.
This book offers a detailed account of the many lewd actions described and, what's worse, praised in the Bible; it's food for thought. And thought requires an open mind. That said, if you're one of those people who adore televangelists, forget it.
Also, forget it if you're looking for a piece of erotic literature or for a set of pornographic novels with a religious twist.
I really wonder when someone will write a survey of the pro-racist, bigot and fascist messages of the Bible, though.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No