I see Bible as mountainous, with many
levels on inspiration, authority

Few people doubt the centrality and authority of the Bible. I certainly respect its authority!
The question is how we use the Bible. There are two major views: inerrancy and mountainous.
Inerrancy views the Bible as being on one plain to be read, understood and applied on that level plain.
In my view the Bible is mountainous. I find some parts of the Bible far more inspiring, authoritative and useful than others.
Jesus himself made clear that the Shema and love for neighbor are the peaks of the Bible’s inspiration and authority. For me, guided by the Shema and love for neighbor, some parts of the Bible are Death Valleys, such as Psalm 137 and the many passages that command us to subjugate women, hate people and exterminate enemies.
I believe we are to use our minds to understand, probe and interpret the Bible. One example is slavery. It is assumed as the norm across the Bible.
Such passages as Jubilee for slaves don’t stop slavery but are a respite from it. Jesus used slaves in his parables and teachings without condemnation.
Paul twice wrote to slaves to obey their masters with enthusiasm.
If you believe in literal biblical inerrancy, it appears to me you should start a movement to reinstate slavery. I think societies and governments have evolved and grown in Christian compassion and as a result abolished slavery.
I see a parallel with homosexuality. Those acts are condemned in a few biblical passages, but we now know that some people are born homosexual, just as I was born left-handed.
Where is the Christian compassion that recognized slaves as human beings and abolished slavery?
Let’s have the Christian compassion to recognize and accept gays and lesbians as human beings just like us. In our Christian love let’s challenge and change homophobic attitudes in people.
How are we to use the Bible?
Recognize its peaks and valleys. Read the Bible the way you look at a work of art (or music). You may study the artist, where and when the artist worked, what school or movement that artist was related to.
That is important background that opens new vistas, but to “see” the art, you look at it in a very receptive mood, trying to let your feelings receive what the artist was trying to “say.”
You look to see what you hadn’t noticed before. You look at it up close, at a distance and from different angles. Above all, your attitude is open and wanting to receive from the work of art.
Read the Bible in the same receptive way.
I say more on my Web site about receiving the inspiration of the Bible: http://www.yeaperson.com/Dan/Danfac/Bible.html