The Bible isn't meant to be taken literally, which is my actually Catholic school teaching. They teach it was passed down by oral tradition, and should not be taken word for word.

But the most evil book ever? That's a ridiculous statement, as well as several others.

If you don't have to follow the commandments, what's the point? The point is God isn't a slave master.

I can name many books more evil. In fact, here's one I'll recommend.