Is that the sound of Flip-Flops I hear?

You have not been reading what I have been writing, which may explain your weird objections and strange questions.  I am not a “by the book” adherent. I wrote the “Bible is not a technical paper, or a play by play instruction manual.”  It seems that you are finally agreeing with me.  In fact all along I have been saying that those who call themselves Christian pick and choose selected passages, as then worship as they feel.  I am not categorically condemning this; it is just an observation and a fact.  You do it, and so does everyone else.  Some people are more rational in this process, like for example the considering the Genesis story as allegorical and not factual.  They have adapted to our modern world, which is also why they don’t go around killing homosexuals, those of other religions, adulterers, etc. 

 In the third paragraph you openly admit that select the parts of the Bible you choose to follow and believe in.   So do you pick and choose just as I’ve asserted all along. 

 You don’t have to be competitive to express yourself properly, however you acquired this idea it is time to dismiss it.  What you need is good written communication skills.  You are also flip-flopping on your position on mercy now.  You were very clear when you wrote “I'm the "you'll get more mercy from God than you will from me" kind of Christian,” this is nothing more than a thinly veiled threat.  Now you are trying to position yourself as the merciful and gentle lamb, you don’t even have the courage of your convictions.