Jeff, first and foremost, I’m so sorry for how American Christianity has treated you and other LGBTQ+ people. I completely understand your sentiments, and my best answer to your concluding question may be these essays I happened to publish recently.

On Biblical Inerrancy, Slavery, Women’s and LGBTQ Rights

Would You Believe in God if the Bible and Religion Didn’t Exist?

Thank you for reading, responding, and opening up.