The last two posts make very good points, and I wonder why you refer to it as 'banging on', unless you are feeling a big wobbly on your own beliefs? I don't see the bible as being entirely 'true' since I don't see it's primary purpose as being an historical record, as some seem to insist. Some parts are obviously not meant to be taken literally, yet there are those who seem top insist that every bit is literally true. There are those who likewise wish to pick and choose which bits are true, and which bits should be taken as allegory. I personally prefer to take notice of those passages which speak to me, and which teach and guide me. I don't bang on to others about what lessons they should take from it, since the bible, like all literature, speaks to us indivually.