I'm curious if you've seen the movie, the god who wasn't there?
The film's maker postulates that the bible authors, or at least a few of them, viewed Jesus as existing on another plain and that all of the writings in the bible are meant purely metaphorically.
I agree with you. And I also want to point out that people, in my opinion, tend to see their own foibles magnified in those around them. I believe it's called countertransference. That does not excuse what's being said. I just wonder how much of this can be attributed to that.
I think it's important to voice our true view of situations. I don't always think that direct communication is the most effective with this group.
They are so virulently opposed to simply hearing that someone can and does have a different view, that it quite effectively closes the door on communication.
I believe Sam Harris addresses this really well in his book, The End of Faith.