Been there, done that.
But I was under the impression that I could read Genesis, and see a symbolic story written for uneducated people living in tents that roughly outlined what science believed about earth history and evolution.
But I was recently convinced that to accept Christ, I had to accept the apparent literal meaning of Genesis and other old testament books. That I can't do, because it becomes something closer to believing in Santa Claus than believing in truth.
So I've rejected God.
Although I still think that Christian philosophy and morals are a good model to live by. Which is why I hope that some smarter Christians come along and again teach what I was taught in the pre-Creation Scientist days, that there were no conflicts between the Bible and science.
"But I was recently convinced that to accept Christ, I had to accept the apparent literal meaning of Genesis and other old testament books. That I can't do, because it becomes something closer to believing in Santa Claus than believing in truth."
Oh, check with some other Christians on that point. Only a small minority of Christian denominations treat the Old Testament as literal truth, especially the Pentateuch. Most Christian denominations accept the Genesis tale as a symbolic explanation, with a deity as the causal entity.
Those that do not are few in number, frankly. So don't let that keep you from Christianity. Just ignore the literalists and find a denomination which will allow you to keep your intellect intact.
Or don't. Me, I reject all supernatural stuff, regardless of the name of the religion. But that's just me.
And this is the tragedy. Creationists are basically saying, "who are you going to believe? Us? Or your own lying eyes?" They set up a false choice such that when people actually begin to understand the science behind evolution they believe they can no longer accept the existence of the Almighty.
This is why I'm constantly saying that creationism has to be the work of Satan. It has driven more people away from God than just about anything else.
STOP LISTENING TO IDIOT MEN!
No man can tell you how to interpret the Bible! That is a matter strictly between you and the Holy Spirit.
God gave us those words in the Bible to teach each of us personally wisdom we need to do His will. For each of us then the Bible will mean something different because we each have different gifts and different purposes.
Please do no let what some other men say affect your relationship with Christ.
Accept Christ. then read the Book for yourself. let the Holy Spirit influence your interpretation. read different translations; read different analyses and come to your own conclusions.
No man has authority over the Bible or its contents.
No man has authority over your beliefs but Christ.
You have not rejected Christ, you have rejected men and some particular set of doctrines they would impose upon you. Do not let those men detract from your relationship with Christ.
For fellowship and worship I'd suggest perhaps seeking a liberal Baptist church. They will not tell you how to believe. [They are the originators of religious liberty in the 1st Amendment]. In Bible study we have great arguments, but never judge another for their interpretation.