He probably has fundamentalist roots that he new rejects.
I’ve actually been defending things like this recently since so many people are tuning in to “The Handmaid’s Tale”.
This story, now a popular TV show depicts a post apocalyptic world where “Christian fundamentalists” hold women as slaves and prisoners, forcing both labor and reproduction.
It’s gotten many lefties and fantasy fans once again attacking the Bible.
Get used to it, it’s always there.