I only very quickly glanced through material that bodhi posted; (time and internet cost considerations involved); but may I say:

If one is to think clearly then the idea is surely to not deny anything that exists:
that means EVERY voice can be heard; EVERY opinion can be noticed; NO-ONE is left out; REALITY is infinitely gentle it appears as it includes ALL that IS; so if someone writes something that bothers you:

part of REALITY is that very FACT:

that YOU were bothered by such & such writing.

In other words: people debate various perspectives and viewpoints; but note that each opinion involves a phenomenon that exists (that a certain person expressed a certain opinion).

I am so far somewhat bugged by what bodhi wrote: I'm thinking "is there material here that could be demolished by an expert Catholic scholar"?

I'm also thinking "of course it's a good idea to study the context (history etc.) associated with the Bible (someone wrote a book: "The Bible As Literature"); but I am somewhat bugged as to what motivates someone to study the background: is that study coloured by a prejudice of some sort?

But is "not studying" associated with a prejudice?

It's curious if say it might be suggested to claim that "belief" dies in the face of "clear thinking": as REALLY clear thinking involves faith in God (God as Existence); being open to what exists (to be rational is to be open to argument).

Beware coercion.

Every thought, doubt, and counter-doubt you have involves the fact "you had that experience"; my idea is "don't squash reality; be open to it."

That does not mean being coerced to squash awareness; but that every voice gets a hearing; as God is LOVE ; being and letting be; as far as I can see.

-Alan