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I have a sneaking suspicion that "you certainly don't understand it" really means, "you don't agree with me." In any case, it's all well and good to say I don't understand it, but can you demonstrate how the passages I've mentioned don't actually refer to slaves or they somehow don't actually mean what they say? (For example, "If a man beats his male or female slave with a rod and the slave dies as a direct result, he must be punished," NIV, Exodus 21:19-21. Exodus has a number of rules for the treatment, keeping, and freeing of slaves. This particular passage seems to mean that as long as I don't actually beat my slaves to death, I'm not in any sort of trouble. Comforting for the owner, unnerving for the slave).

Are these some of those passages that, unlike the parts of the Bible that are well-known-to-everyone to be literal, are to be "interpreted," which everyone knows how to interpret "correctly," except those who don't agree with your interpretation?

My theism, or lack thereof, doesn't matter. If you're going to import Biblical concepts into school, especially science class, be prepared for all sorts of unsavory types -- me, for instance -- to take a very close look at them. When the Bible is subjected every day to scientific scrutiny, you're really not going to like the results.

I have a sneaking suspicion that "you certainly don't understand it" really means, "you don't agree with me."

It means that if you think the Bible is a book that promotes or encourages slavery, you don't understand it. Have you ever gave a minutes thought as to why you think slavery is wrong?

My theism, or lack thereof, doesn't matter.

So spell it out. Are you an atheist? Are you selectively reading the Bible to give yourself an excuse not to believe in God? If so, why is slavery wrong?