[Iam1ru1-2]

"And frankly 90% of us who believe the is the inspired word of God believe there are parts of it that cannot be taken literally word for word as God's intent for us to live by."

So who decides which words to take literally, symbolically, metaphorically, or spiritually?

[gondramB]

"So who decides which words to take literally, symbolically, metaphorically, or spiritually?"

Lacking a central authority in Rome, it falls to each Protestant man, woman and/or congregation.