You can learn it better with modern books, I'd read them only for historical interest.
Agreed. But since it is my thing I read
Origins for the history.
I want to tell you something. Your reaction to the bible is spot on with my own. Except for
Revelations, since I am a history geek / Joseph Campbell fan and find that book to be a most fascinating work, your views are perfect. Good job, sir.
Revelations, when read with the "knowledge" is full of the most powerful imagery and stunning symbolism. Beautifully abhorrent and stunningly stupid. It and
Genesis did more to turn me off to religion than anything else.