Having been raised by Evangelicals, it's no surprise at all to hear about their selective application of biblical precepts. When I was a child, I noticed an incongruity in the text of the Noah story, in that there were two conflicting accounts of the tale. When I asked an elder which was correct, I was told both were correct in a manner suggesting I better not raise the issue again if I knew what was good for me.
So, as far as I'm concerned, it has nothing to do with good works and a morally pure world view, but everything to do with power and social control. Again, no surprise given the current political climate. If it's true what you say about most of your fellow inmates leaning right, it definitely adds perspective to the current Republican MO of grift, exploitation and hypocrisy in the pursuit of power.
I would suggest one of two things. Either pursue a degree in the literary history of the bible, so as to undermine the 'divine' inspiration foundation of the tome, or get some books by reputable writers which counter the same. I could recommend Richard Carrier as a place to start. Also, having a copy of the Skeptics Annotated Bible on hand would be simpler, given its layout as a quick reference in rebuttal of the bible itself.
