What deism has done for the world

[*Deidre*]

That's a lot of "misinterpreting" of "scripture," wouldn't you say?

Absolutely.

Considering that the majority of US Presidents have been Christian. Some of them owning slaves, themselves. Hmmmm....

I do not know about the majority of presidents being Christian. I will take your word for it, and yes they may have owned slaves. If they did and if they used the bible to justify it they were wrong. Plain and simple.

And then there's the question of homosexuals not being permitted to marry, legally. Was the law that put into place that only one man and one woman be legally allowed to marry, ANOTHER "misinterpretation?"

Well with regards to this issue, I think the Bible is clear. From the beginning we see God's plan for marriage as that which is between a man and a woman. Jesus confirmed this and so did the apostle Paul as well as the other apostles. I.e. a monogamous heterosexual union.

And women weren't legally given the right to vote until roughly 100 years ago.
Another "misinterpretation?"

Or could it be that the Bible has been a useful tool for heterosexual white men who have been running the US, to excuse away their own immorality, bigotry and hatred?

It is a very useful tool for heterosexual white men who were bigots and immoral and hateful. It is still used today by men and women who seek to give credence to their views.

This is not in dispute. I agree with you. But this is not an argument against the inspiration of the Bible or against the existence of God. This is rather, clear cut proof that men in their depraved thinking, will use whatever they can to achieve their evil ends.

I agree with all you say, but...you seem to defend the Bible as a book that exemplifies a moral code of conduct. The men spoken of that are held up as "Prophets" are some of the most bigoted, depraved men in history. (should they have truly existed and are not fictional characters)

If a person professes himself to be a Christian, he supports the Bible, in all of its confusion and depravity. Of course excusing it as a book that takes the moral high ground.

If God exists, he isn't the version portrayed as a petulant child as the Bible depicts. If God exists, he isn't a bigot or a racist or a misogynist. The Bible was created by men to control other men. (and women)

My opinion, fwiw. I do appreciate your respectful tone in discussing this, though. :-)