I’m reading your note saying the Bible “shouldn’t be taken as fact,” or “an authoritative source.”

Do you give orders to everyone? Will I be able to have my own thoughts, or have you outlawed them? Will you punish or kill me?

Do you see how reading works? A reader brings values to the text, and substantially creates the meaning. I reject your reading of the Bible, as it turns out. I reject a “religion” reading it. I can read it for myself, thanks.

In its belief in human freedom (Gal 5:1) and discussion (1 Cor 14:26), the Bible is on my side.