[Timmy]

BTW, there are many Christians who agree with me on this, and it's not just among those of the more liberal persuasion. There are AFFers who agree, and they've said so. It's really common sense. Yes, it is different from certain strict interpretations of the Bible, but you don't have to accept that interpretation! No, you don't. Nobody has to.

There are much better (yes, better) ways to read the Bible. Ways that don't lead to discouragement (when literally read promises aren't kept, e.g.), fear (when you can't possibly be sure if you know the right way to avoid that "deserved" punishment, e.g.), etc. You should try it. It's not that bad.