Look at the comments you receive from unbelievers and the content therein. Consider how non-Christians agree with your views and then go on to openly blaspheme the Scriptures. Just something to pause and reflect on – that’s not the Biblical pattern. When Christ presented truth to people, they didn’t agree with Him, rather they hated him and nailed him to a cross.

Our negative life experiences are never alone the lens through which to interpret Scripture.

Also,
“If you would be free, you must submit yourself a slave to Christ (Rom. 6:18)”
That is shockingly similar to the classic “FREEDOM IS SLAVERY”. With bits like this floating around in the culture, 1984 must have practically written itself.

(Of course, “Christ” casually talked about throwing people into Gehenna, the pit of fire, but it’s just funny since Xtians are always lecturing everyone about how loving they are, and when one of their number expresses their usual aggression towards anyone who doesn’t show the proper obeisance towards their delusions they pull out the “true Christian” card. No true Christian would ever tell someone to DIAF! (They would say “I’m praying for you,” instead!))

Xtianity spends a lot of time inculcating the fear of committing the inadvertant sin. Thus, it’s easy for Xtian-based cults to gain control over people by promising them freedom from sin (and hell) by joining the cult.

People like Emily would be well-served not to look TOO deep into it, such as actually learning Greek or anything, or reading serious Biblical scholarship. That is because the authenticity of these texts is questionable. Bit by bit it all falls away.

The plain fact is that the Bible is a pastiche of traditions, legends, lies, laws, and fish tales that have been redacted like crazy by a priestly caste eager to retain power, then later added onto by syncretizing latecomers with some pretty weird views who voted on which texts best supported their vision. I was taught that the Bible was written by men, inspired by God, but if so it is through a glass, darkly.

Of course, I studied physics and philosophy and no longer believe in God, so no issues there…

Seriously, though, the Bible has an undeserved reputation. People don’t read it cover to cover and don’t compare it to other books. It really is not all that special, especially if you compare it to classical texts on how to live from multiple cultures (the Greeks and the Chinese are a good start).

A beautiful illustration of the sick depravity that authoritarianism engenders.