When reading the bible, what "lens" are you using to see it?

I use the lens of a Christian, not sure of a better answer then that. As far as the existence of the bible, the old testament was around long before the Christian churches, and the new testament aside from the gospels is made up of letters from the apostles to the churches starting up in different areas. the final bible as we have it today, although all the parts of it existed, was finalized during or slightly after the establishing of the churches. And yes, if you are getting the message of the bible, most of the religious debates are goofy, as the focus is Jesus. And as far as I know, no connection between Jesus and Plymouth rock