I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and I have worked all my adult life as a software engineer. I like to think that I know a little about the Bible, but I have no college level training in theology. I am not a teacher or pastor. It is not a sin to be a layperson, but as a layperson, I have no authority to say so. As a lifelong Christian and an explorer of my faith, it is reasonable for me to read books and articles and provide my thoughts on those works, as long as I and my readers keep in mind my lay status. I have reviewed my thoughts with clergy and we have tried to weed out unjustifiable statements. Still, this paper is my work, and I asked for God's help in writing it, and I am the only person who should be held accountable.

I tend to look for metaphorical interpretations of Bible passages. I have struggled on Internet forums overrun with loving Christians who are convinced (and relieved) that they know exactly which sinners will and won't make it to heaven, as if they've really drilled down to the one, true understanding of the Bible. It is not my intent to denigrate literalists, and certainly not to damn them, even though I have been damned by them. I am a sinner, but I get out of bed every morning anyway. It has occurred to me that reading the Bible and writing this article take time away from doing God's work in the world with other people. It's a tradeoff that must be constantly weighed.

I attend St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Fairport, NY..

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