
ABOUT THE HOLY BIBLE - A Lecture
By Robert G. Ingersoll
1894.
ABOUT THE HOLY BIBLE.
I. THE ORIGIN OF THE BIBLE.
II. IS THE OLD TESTAMENT INSPIRED?
III. THE TEN COMMANDMENTS.
THE STORY OF ACHAN.
THE STORY OF ELISHA.
THE STORY OF DANIEL.
In this engaging lecture, a 19th‑century orator scrutinizes the traditional claim that the Bible is divinely inspired. He traces the earliest narratives back to a wandering people led by Moses, highlighting how the stories served political control and how later generations attached their own laws and myths to the text. By pointing out anachronisms—such as towns, money, and agricultural details that post‑date the supposed authors—he lays a foundation for questioning the conventional attributions.
Delivered with clear, methodical reasoning, the speaker draws on linguistic, archaeological, and textual clues to show that many books were likely compiled long after the figures they name. He notes the absence of a single author, the presence of contradictions, and the evolving nature of the canon, inviting listeners to reconsider the Bible’s historical development. The talk offers a thought‑provoking perspective for anyone interested in the intersection of faith, history, and critical inquiry.
Language
en
Duration
~1 hours (70K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by David Widger
Release date
2011-10-10
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1833–1899
A thunderous 19th-century speaker and essayist, he became famous as “The Great Agnostic” for his sharp attacks on dogma and his defense of reason, free thought, and human happiness.
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