[Arkinsaw]

Yeah, but the trick is, God more or less clues us in when something is not meant literally. A lot of people just like to take whatever conflicts with their theology as "not literal" so that they can rework it into whatever they want it to say.

In general, if it doesn't make some logical sense its probably not literal. For instance, Jerusalem becoming the highest mountain yet rivers flow south through it. Yes, God could make rivers flow up hill, but its more likely that the highest mountain part is not really meant to be taken literally.

I really have no opinion on the tribulation theories and arguments. I don't know and am not sure it matters. Perhaps being prepared for either eventuality is the way to go.

[Titus Quinctius Cincinnatus]

In general, if it doesn't make some logical sense its probably not literal. For instance, Jerusalem becoming the highest mountain yet rivers flow south through it. Yes, God could make rivers flow up hill, but its more likely that the highest mountain part is not really meant to be taken literally.

I would tend to agree with you on that. Scripture, because it is given to us by God for the purpose of giving intelligible revelation to man must be interpreted through a variety of intelligible means. As the old saw goes, "If the plain sense makes sense, seek no other sense." Of course, if the plain sense doesn't make sense....