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The problem with a literal reading of the Bible is that people apply those literalist readings to absolutist beliefs, and ignore the simple fact that a text like the Bible will say multiple, often contradictory things; not even counting the ambiguities and natural limitations of translation from one language to another that further obfuscate the range of interpretations.
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I do not find it so and I think the way to avoid this confusion is to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit as one reads, to read the whole Bible through several times ABSORBING it.
take into consideration the time and culture in which different parts of the Bible were written, and not confusing various and progressing human concepts of God with God himself.
Probably a clear understanding is most likely for one who has experienced God personally.
The central message is that we need to love God with our whole being, love our neighbor as ourselves, love, pray for and do good to our enemies, and of course to love ourselves else it would be no favor to love others as we love ourselves. If we do these things all else will naturally fall into place.