What is the Skeptic’s Annotated Bible?

While many approach the Bible as a sacred text, others see it as a historical or literary document, subject to critical analysis and interpretation. Among the resources designed for such critical examination is the Skeptic’s Annotated Bible (SAB)—a unique project that has attracted attention from both skeptics and believers alike. But what exactly is the Skeptic’s Annotated Bible, and what purpose does it serve?

Origins and Purpose of the Skeptic’s Annotated Bible

The Skeptic’s Annotated Bible is an ambitious online project created by Steve Wells in the late 1990s. Wells, a self-described skeptic, embarked on a mission to read the Bible from cover to cover and to annotate it from a critical, secular perspective. The SAB is not a new translation of the Bible. Rather, it features the full text of the King James Version (KJV), along with Wells’s own extensive annotations, commentary, and cross-references. The main goal of the SAB is to highlight passages that are often considered problematic, contradictory, morally questionable, or scientifically inaccurate by contemporary standards.

Structure and Features

The Skeptic’s Annotated Bible is organized in a way that makes it accessible for readers who wish to explore its content both sequentially and thematically. Each verse of the Bible is accompanied by footnotes, color-coded highlights, and symbols that draw attention to specific issues. Among the categories annotated are contradictions, scientific errors, historical inaccuracies, instances of violence, misogyny, intolerance, prophecy, and absurdity. These annotations are designed to provide readers with an alternative lens through which to view the text, often raising questions about its claims, ethics, and internal consistency.

The SAB is more than just a critique; it is also a study tool. Its searchable online format allows users to look up specific themes or verses and see how they are annotated. For example, if a reader is interested in passages related to women, they can quickly find all verses flagged for misogyny. This approach makes the SAB a valuable resource for anyone interested in biblical criticism, whether for academic study, personal exploration, or debate.

Expanding Beyond the Bible

While the original focus was on the Christian Bible, the Skeptic’s Annotated Bible project has since expanded to include the Quran and the Book of Mormon. These texts are treated with the same approach—presenting their content alongside critical annotations and thematic indexes. This expansion reflects the SAB’s broader mission: to encourage skepticism and critical thinking about religious texts in general, not just the Bible.

Reception and Impact

The Skeptic’s Annotated Bible has been met with both praise and criticism. Supporters, particularly within skeptical and secular communities, view it as a valuable tool for promoting rational inquiry and challenging dogmatic interpretations of scripture. They argue that the SAB fosters an open dialogue about the Bible’s content and encourages readers to engage with the text more thoughtfully.

On the other hand, some religious readers and scholars criticize the SAB for what they perceive as a biased or disrespectful approach to scripture. Critics often contend that the annotations may take passages out of context or fail to consider traditional theological interpretations. Despite these criticisms, the SAB has carved out a niche as one of the most comprehensive resources for secular Bible study available online.

Conclusion: Why the Skeptic’s Annotated Bible Matters

The Skeptic’s Annotated Bible occupies a unique space at the intersection of religion, literature, and critical inquiry. By providing a comprehensive, annotated version of the Bible (and other sacred texts), it invites readers to question, explore, and understand these works in new ways. Whether one agrees with its interpretations or not, the SAB undeniably enriches the ongoing conversation about the meaning and relevance of religious texts in the modern world.