At the very least it is a very good story. And after reading it quite a few times, I've concluded that most Christians don't read the Bible. They rely on a pamphlet version that focuses on intimidation and initiation rites, so what does it matter that there are some transcription and translation errors here and there?
Many theological writers are saturated with theories rather than with the text. I agree with you there.
The best commentary on the Bible in English is Pilgrim's Progress, once the best seller in English (second only to the Bible), now hardly known or read.
Bunyand, the author, was imprisoned for being a Dissenter preacher. I just bought the Limited Edition of PP, Blake illustrations. for $75. The book is simply astonishing in its handling of the Biblical story.
For those of you with children, get the animated movie of PP. It is a great beginning.