The Bible: Literal, or True?

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness" 2 Timothy 3:16

“I believe the Bible is inerrant; I believe in creationism.” I’ve heard this numerous times. In fact, the two sentences seem to go together.
Wait! Back up. You’re saying I believe the Bible is errant? (aimless, irregular, wrong.) But I don’t. I believe parts of it are poetry, (Song of Solomon,) some parts are parable (the parable of the sower, Matthew 13:1-23) and some parts are literal. So what you’re saying is not that you believe the Bible is true—so do I, after all—but you are saying that you believe the Bible is literal. But do you? How many clean animals were on Noah’s ark; two of each, seven of each, or fourteen of each? (Genesis 6:19, Genesis 7:2-3) This is important now... There will be a quiz at the pearly gates!
There is also an assumption—stated or implied—that if I don’t believe in the Bible exactly as you say I should, that I don’t read it. Well, I do. I read it every day, and I find many confusing paradoxes within it. Even going to church, even hearing other people’s confident explanations, I find the Bible difficult to understand. That must mean one of two things: the bible actually is difficult to understand, and you are oversimplifying, or I’m not a Christian because I don’t have faith in the confusing parts.
Wait—don’t say anything—I’m sure you’re thinking I’m not a Christian. It’s simple for you. If only you can convince me that the earth was created in six days, and dinosaur bones were put on earth to test my faith, you’ll make me a Christian. Well, you can be smug, knowing you have the answers. You’re right, I’m wrong, you win.
But here’s the problem: many people do believe evolution, and do believe in Jesus. You’ll just have to live with that.

Peace, love & respect.