I think that those who have read the Bible (many self proclaimed Christians have not) understand the principle that the Bible is a collection of stories that are used for interpretation of day to day life to give them a more structured moral integrity rather than cut and dry "this is what the Bible says so there is no flexibility". Life isn't a set of hard rules to follow, the Bible gives you guidance, not rules.
That said, I'm a devout atheist. Just an observation about others from someone who was forced into Christianity, questioned it, and left.
I do feel that anyone can believe what they want to, if they feel it makes them a better person or gives them a sense of community.