I’m glad you liked the article, James! My husband felt exactly as you do for many years after we married. Then he started reading books by apologists, read the Bible all the way through from start to finish, and eventually became Christian. Neither one of us is a literalist. We don’t subscribe to a 6,000-year-old earth or other things that conflict with science.

I agree with you (and Jesus said it too) that what’s in a person’s heart is what counts and is a whole lot more important than an empty, outward profession of faith. And you’re right about choice. It’s vital to the rich diversity we enjoy, the integrity of our faith and the opportunity to appreciate and care for other people despite or maybe because of their differences.