This is why many of the FreeThinking variety of Atheist can quote (or at least reference) scripture better than the average pastor, priest, or nun. – They have studied it in depth, and not glossed over the strange parts that they don’t like.

FreeThinkers don’t blindly follow a teacher or “Expert”, self proclaimed or otherwise, but instead study the actual evidence regarding a topic, and formulate conclusions on that evidence.

Contrasting FreeThinkers are many Christians (among others); specifically, the ones who follow their faith only because of peer pressure or carrot/stick psychology.