[topcat54]

That is because for the first three centuries the dominant hermeneutic was a literal/figurative one.

Huh?? Well, what was it, literal or figurative?

This is like saying, "the ice cream flavor of the week is vanilla/chocolate."

lit·er·al (adj.) : Being in accordance with, conforming to, or upholding the exact or primary meaning of a word or words.

fig·u·ra·tive (adj.) : Based on or making use of figures of speech; metaphorical: figurative language.
Containing many figures of speech; ornate.
Represented by a figure or resemblance; symbolic or emblematic.

When the Bible says, "For the stars of heaven and their constellations Will not give their light; The sun will be darkened in its going forth, And the moon will not cause its light to shine," is that "literal" or "figurative" language?

[John 6.66=Mark of the Beast?]

This passage would have to be literal, doing a study of the great and terrible day of the Lord and the fierceness of His anger and wrath towards the sinner. His returning will be a celebration for His body His bride. it will be very devastating for those who are not. This is as literal as the promise of the new heaven and new earth, the stars singing out His praise and so forth.

Figuratively verses would be under the shadow of His wings gathering them as a hen under her wings. We all know God ain't no chicken and He don't have no wings.

[fortheDeclaration]

There is a literal view of the figurative that makes it clearly defined by other scriptures.

Symbols, figures of speech, and types are normal literary tools that are used to clarify or emphasize thoughts and ideas (Dict.of Pre-Mill.Theology, p.94)

In other words, we call Christ the lamb of God but know that expression is figurative, pointing to a literal scriptural truth.

Thus, figurative language must be rooted in what the literal truth of scripture teaches, not the personal thoughts of what someone wants something to mean, like Ezek. Temple really being the temple in the Christian believer.