If we look to Philo of Alexandria in the 1st century A.D., the Jews believed the Bible should NOT be interpreted literally.
http://www.copticchurch.net/topics/patrology/schoolofalex/I-Intro/chapter3.html
Literalism is a 20th century reactionary American innovation.
“Literalism is a 20th century reactionary American innovation.”
Agree wholeheartedly.