When the Bible says there will be a mountain split, I take it to mean that the mountain will be split. When it says that Jesus will return in the flesh, I interpret it to mean what it plainly teaches...that Jesus will return in the flesh. When it says that Jesus will reign on the earth while satan is bound, for one thousand years. I take it mean exactly that...not some liberal "oh Jesus is reigning in men's hearts"(If you believe that balogna, you've obviously never read Jer. 17:9). When the Bible says there will be a mark, then, then I take it for what it says...a mark...a distinguishing characteristic(to wit, a retnal scan and a thumbprint qualify). Fairly simple. We needn't make up fairytale allegories to accomidate any predisposed doctrines, or shallow belief in Him who is able to create ex nihilo. This posture is reminiscent of the Liar's first deception..."Hath God really said...". He just loves to cause us to doubt the clear Word of God. Once the process of allegorical interpretation begins, it becomes selective as to what is literal and what is allegory, leaving the Word to be comprimised by those who desire to read into the text (usually as a control mechanism), rather than allowing the text to speak plainly for itself.
If you choose to interpret the Bible in your mystical allegorical manner, you're welcome to it. The result of this is usually reducing the Omnipotent One to the tiny box that accomidates your cosmological views and leaves little room for Him to work in and through you as He desires to. Basically, walking by sight rather than faith.
...and yes...I'll keep my guns handy, thank you very much. Not that it's any of your businees! Maybe you can defend yourself with your million mom march flag.
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This outstanding work has stood for about a hundred years, virtually unchallenged in scope or scholarship. The seminal and definitive work in this field of study. Figures of speech are used throughout the Bible. It is unfortunate when they are interpreted literally.