Steve, now I understand you are against the obnoxious presentation of the Bible as carried out by some religious groups.
In your description I see the Jehova's witnesses in Italy. They pedantically cite verses of the bible and everything must bend to the book. that's preposterous, if all groups in America behave that way I'm afraid that such a situation can only boost atheism.
The bible by itself though is just another body of religious writings, which should be intepreted only by spiritually evolved beings.
So pls allow me this suggestion, you should not criticize the bible, you should just criticize the religious zealots, who are imposing their views of such scripture on anyone.
It's totally out of doubt that Yogananda's lessons are far superior to the bible and any other classic religious writings, because they are practical and they provide practical methods for the spiritual advancement which are concealed within the other writings.
Another tricky issue is the 'weird' parts of the bible, especially so the old testament. They are weird, granted, but I do not worry too much about it. To argue with the zealots is wasted time, and to discuss about the weird passages of the bible maybe is not so constructive.
Some parts of the Bible are not only wrong for today they are actually foolish.
"Be fruitful and increase in number. Fill the earth and subdue it." Genesis 1:28 New International Version
Nobody has to interpret it. It's as plain as the earth spinning around every 24 hours.
