A jew & a zionist
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There is a documentary by the history channel called Who wrote the Bible. I think you can get it at veoh website. Its a good place to get a backgroung. The Old Testament can not be read the way we read the Koran. I have no problem with that. I understand the background of the Old Testament. I am fully aware of these stories including the accusation of David and adultery and murder. I am also aware of the stroy about Lot and incest. But I do not let that prevent me from accepting the Old Testament because I have a good understanding, or rather a basic understanding of the collection of the Old Testament. Its a library and not a scripture like the Koran. It is not just a theology book like the Koran. Its also history, narratives, culture, civilization and poetry. Its unique. The Koran is the literal words that God revealed to Muhamamd via the angel Gabriel and should be read as such. The Koran is a book of theology. Everyword matters from a religious perspectives.
If the Old testament is too heavy than you don't have to read it.
I think this intro lecture from Yale about the OT is very good in giving a basic understanding of the OT and its compilation and general structure
http//video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4487558855309830711&hl=en
I like the part she says the Hebrew Bible is not made for children rotfl