The Agnostic Bible

A humorous take on philosophy and religious beliefs from debut author Platzberg.

The author presents an agnostic text “that freely admits to knowing nothing.” In this close scrutiny of both belief (religions like Christianity) and nonbelief, the reader is taken on a 700-some page journey that tackles many topics. These include people who have claimed to be the messiah, the role religion plays in warfare, and advice, like how “Agnostics can look to all faiths for common rules and guidances that are universal and have lead to good results, such as reduced suffering.” The point is not to convince the reader that one set of beliefs is superior to another, but to investigate issues both thorny and silly. How can we look objectively at the odds that God exists? Why are there images of St. Christopher with the head of a dog? What sort of responses might one expect to hear to the classic question: “Why do bad things happen to good people?” It’s all tackled with a snarky tone: In a tangent about visiting Winnipeg, Canada, the reader is advised to see a few recommended sights and then “probably leave. Things get really cold around November.” Platzberg’s friendly, often jovial voice (despite some inherently heavy subjects like the World Wars) carries the reader along. There is an emphasis both on clarity and on the comical throughout. Concepts from thinkers like Spinoza are dispatched with a sprightly zeal, as when the author observes that the famous philosopher’s work “bears some resemblance to Buddhism, if Buddhism had been invented by Germans, ie. with more empirical investigation.” In a discussion about morality, Platzberg points out that, “What good is and why we do it, are inextricably bound and, it seems, neither theists nor atheists really understand either.” Even if every joke does not land, the work is as entertaining as it is informative.

A refreshingly playful yet earnest investigation of major issues of faith and existence.