[Invincibly Ignorant]

On what do you base your assertion that it should be figurative?

On the basis that I trust those whose ancestors have been interpreting writings about 1700 years longer that you and yours.

It would seem so to one who is lost.

Another interpretation.

By the way I do appreciate your attempts to keep the conversation civil this time.

[MEGoody]

On the basis that I trust those whose ancestors have been interpreting writings about 1700 years longer that you and yours.

Ah, so there's nothing in the text that would tell you this - you just accept what someone else said about the writings. Got it.

Another interpretation.

No, just a fact.

By the way I do appreciate your attempts to keep the conversation civil this time.

Only because you've managed to remain civil this time. I suspect the moderator you whine to gave you a few words of advice.