Actually, there have been a few who conceded in some measure. But, I think they may have been longing to be convinced out of those positions. I know it hurts my heart to think back on the stuff I believe "because momma said so" back in the day.

Funnily enough, it was her insisting I be sent of to a baptist college that began my journey. I only went one semester to that college. But, one of my classes was Religion 101.

The teacher began the class saying that the cannon we know is not the sum of all scripture nor all valuable faith writings. Then he said something I found transformative: "The Bible is not the Word of God."

He added that the text itself tells us so: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word was with God in the beginning. The Word became flesh and made his home among us… so grace and truth came into being through Jesus Christ." [John 1:1-2, 14, 17]

He went on to say that "Jesus is the Word" and that all scripture should be studied with discernment through that lens.

I think believers are longing for that truth, longing for reasons not to hate. I mean, the cognative dissonance of hate is very uncomfortable. It's soul exhausting.