By now I’m sure you’ve heard about the GQ magazine article on 12 Books You Don’t Need to Read–a list that includes the Holy Bible. Here’s what it stated: “The Holy Bible is rated very highly by all the people who supposedly live by it but who in actuality have not read it. Those who have read it know there are some good parts, but overall it is certainly not the finest thing that man has ever produced. It is repetitive, self-contradictory, sententious, foolish, and even at times ill-intentioned.” The article continues with a recommendation of another book one should read instead. The not-so-big surprise is that it’s by the same author who wrote this comment. His name doesn’t merit being mentioned.
The backlash against the GQ article has been swift and severe. I won’t add anything because the reasons are so glaringly obvious.
Unlike many Christians, I didn’t get worked up over this news. It’s a publicity stunt. GQ needs more readers and the author wants to be known. How better to do so than to incite some controversy? It’s an attempt to get free advertising for a faltering magazine and little-known author.
Why do you suppose GQ and the author didn’t attack the Quran? I suspect it’s because they wanted to live to see tomorrow.
Do you remember when Dennis Rodman, fabulous basketball player for the Chicago Bulls, would dress up as a woman, date a famous singer and actress, wrestle in the WWE, establish a friendship with Kim Jong-un, etc.? All his stunts have been done to gain attention and remain in the public’s eye. Had he just played basketball and retired, no one would even think about him today. It’s the same principle. Be controversial and get your name in the news.
Will GQ and the writer benefit from this stunt? Yawn. I seriously doubt it.