Religious beliefs are a topic that is often raised on these boards, mostly with a negative slant
Given what goes on in many circles, that's understandable but also unfair
As a person of faith, I have just a few things to air out
1. The Bible is unlike many other texts, but at the same time it's similar to many other texts
2. If you're looking at it as an ancient, irrelevant text - you are going to find that point of view
3. If you're looking for sex, violence and patriarchy - you are going to find them
4. But if you're looking for applicable life lessons - you will find them
5. If you're looking for peace and love - you will find them
I think we're capable of having a respectful discourse on this topic. And, who knows, some learning just might happen.