If we take the Bible literally in English, we must renounce scholarly studies in Hebrew and Greek that show the ambiguity inherent in any language (not to mention any translation).
No wonder so many Christian believers who slam their minds shut to avoid critical thinking about scripture find it easy to ignore science as well. It is easy for a non-critical thinker to believe ridiculous conspiracy theories about their neighbors. Bad religion has taught them how to fear but not how to love.
If we believe history has been a struggle between good and evil people instead of a clash of needs and interests between the members of our one human family, our circle of compassion will get smaller and smaller.
No wonder so many sectarian Christians pray for our troops but never get around to loving and praying for our enemies. No wonder so many sectarian Christians believe the lies told about immigrants and about other religious worldviews. Jesus is not some tribal chieftain to be lifted above every other. Jesus is one culture’s symbol of the tie that binds every sentient being into one common life.
Love is the golden key for translating any text from its original ancient setting and into our current day. Love teaches if scripture seems to call us to repeat some ancient cruelty or superstition, we are reading the text wrong for our day.
Religion should be a mustard seed that grows into a tree capable of giving shelter to all. If your Christianity has not led you to universal love, the seed of your religion died in infancy before yielding its fruit.