"I smell the stink of higher criticism."
John 8:15
I have no idea what that means.
My intention was not to get into an argument with you but to let literalist Catholics papertyger and wideawake answer you instead.
I do not understand this sick need of anti-literalists to claim entire religions when those religions are divided. There may not be many Catholic literalists, but they exist. And you know this. So why the need to make an obviously false claim that "Catholics" (implying all Catholics) are not literalists. Have you ever heard of Living Tradition magazine? The Kolbe Center? The Daylight Origins Society? Bob Sungenis? Gary Metatics(sp?)? While admittedly a distinct minority, they are Catholics and they are literalists.
I know of no literalist who would make the implied claim that all Catholics/Protestants/Jews are literalists. Yet anti-literalists insist on making the opposing claim. And the claim is false on its face.
Are anti-literalists hoping by inflating the numbers to intimidate literalists? Why do that instead of debate the issues?
John 8:15
You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one.
"I do not understand this sick need of anti-literalists to claim entire religions when those religions are divided."
Your lack of understanding is not limited to the above. You lack an understanding of the hierarchy of the Church. In spite of any private or public dissension or dialog the Church's position is that of the Holy See and the Papal edicts are not entirely literalist. Those that are in agreement are in communion with the body of the Church, those that are not in agreement are not wholly Catholic. If you, as a non-Catholic find comfort an solace in literalism, I will not judge you. It is, however, disingenuous for one to claim to be Catholic and be in open dissension with the Church on issues whether it is literalism or voting for an abortionist.