Why the "There are so many interpretations of the Bible" claim is confused

[robvalue]

I still think this could be a wind up. But then, I've seen this level of dishonesty before, so who knows?

I think the problem may be that the mental defences protecting indoctrinated ideas are so strong, that the person isn't necessarily aware that what they are saying is garbage. They just throw out whatever stops those beliefs being properly questioned and examined.

I know the feeling, it has happened to me too. Not about religion, but about my attitudes towards myself. I was told some home truths by my therapist, and I did not want to hear them. I said anything and everything to avoid having to consider she might be right. I spent a couple of days being really angry at how incompetent she was, and convincing myself I must be right. Then it sunk in, I calmed down, and I examined what she said rationally. It was then I found out she was right. I had programmed myself over a long period of time, but I got myself out of it again with her help.

I see this forum as a way of trying to provide that same help to victims of indoctrination, to give them the opportunity to properly reflect upon their beliefs. It's up to them whether they want to do that, or just fire out the first thing that comes into their mind to deflect any serious analysis.