Even when I was a Witness, I had trouble with accepting various accounts as literal historical accounts. Many of them simply had the ring of mythology to them. And, so as I began to do independent research into the Bible, I found that my intuitions were correct.
The problem with people trying to insist that all OT accounts are literal accounts, is that it robs many of the stories of much of their literary value as cultural works created with symbolism and allegory to teach us moral lessons. Stories with the characters of Balaam, Samson, Job, Jonah, are some very intriguing literary works which become even more fascinating when you begin to pick apart the symbols that were included to contain quasi-hidden meanings and significant moral lessons.
Another major problem is that it requires the believer to believe that Yahweh has weak human emotions, human frailties, and can become easily provoked, jealous, insecure, fitful, wrathful, and someone who can be bargained with like a capricious judge.
At the same time however, I cannot throw the baby out with the bath water. The teachings of Jesus Christ demonstrate a stark contrast to the paradigms and portrayals of the OT God. So, the question of inspiration naturally comes up.
I certainly do believe that a good portion of the Biblical writings were inspired. I must add however, that my view of the word "inspired" is not the same as many fundamentalists who believe that it was "dictated" word for word to the writers. I do not believe in Biblical inerrancy. When I say "inspired", I mean that their teachings were in alignment with divinity, or the power of divinity - namely their teachings were in alignment with love, kindness, mercy, justice, and spiritual truths. When I look at the main thrust of Jesus’ teachings, I am impressed by their utter simplicity and profundity. His teachings might seem childishly simple to us, but to a generation with such twisted religious views, it was totally life transforming.
I still read and study the Bible. I realize that I do not have a lot of the answers, and I try my best to avoid dogmatism. I do consider myself a Christian in that I try my best to study and follow Christ’s teachings; while fellowshipping with other Christians. I don’t agree with everything that is taught in the church I go to; and I don’t need to.
