The X-Rated Bible: An Irreverent Survey of Sex in the Scriptures (Paperback)

~ (Author) "AMNON'S INFATUATION WITH HIS HALF-SISTER WAS OF SUCH magnitude that he became physically ill as a result of his amorous ardor..." (more)
Key Phrases: whosoever toucheth, sex worship, seminal discharge, Lord God, Old Testament, New Testament (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Incest, rape, adultery, exhibitionism, prostitution, homosexuality, abortion, mate swapping, bestiality -- it's all there in the book held sacred by three of the world's major religions. Originally published to reveal the hypocrisy of fundamentalists' attempts to censor and suppress the kind of material found throughout their own scriptures, The X-Rated Bible quickly became the American Atheist Press's most notorious and best-selling book. It garnered media attention due to its title, subject matter (with chapters like "Lot Knocks Up Both His Daughters," and "Noah Gets Drunk and Exposes Himself"), and association with publisher Madalyn Murray O'Hair, famous atheist and publicity hound. This redesigned, corrected, and expanded edition will reintroduce the controversial publication that unblushingly confronts the dirty parts of the Holy Bible.

Product Details

• Paperback: 245 pages
• Publisher: Feral House; 2nd edition (April 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0922915555
• ISBN-13: 978-0922915552
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #277,162 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

126 of 154 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What Does the Bible Really Say?, July 10, 1999

By A Customer

"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

15 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Naughty, naughty, October 29, 2001

By A Customer

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.

32 of 44 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

By	"algenicus002" (Europe) - See all my reviews

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.