[Colonel Kangaroo]

To allegorize or interpret away the Scriptures that God intends to be taken literally is a reflection of what one really feels about the Word of God. The Pharisees were allegorizers of the Scriptures, and as a result, they were not only incapable of recognizing the truth of the Word of God standing right in front of them, but they also led the campaign to get rid of Him.

Figurative truth is just as true as literal truth. It does not imply a lack of respect for the scriptures to interpret obviously figurative language figuratively. For instance there are many references to "The Lamb" in the Revelation. Are we to take that as figurative language, or are we to worship an actual four legged animal?

Despite the obvious and necessary overall message of final victory, there are some things hard to understand about the book of Revelation. But it was simple and plain to the people it was addressed to, the early Christians of the seven churches of Asia. It was addressed to them, not to us. I wouldn't worry about fitting a 1st Century message into the 21st Century.

[Uncle Chip]

Figurative truth is just as true as literal truth. It does not imply a lack of respect for the scriptures to interpret obviously figurative language figuratively. For instance there are many references to "The Lamb" in the Revelation. Are we to take that as figurative language, or are we to worship an actual four legged animal?

Despite the obvious and necessary overall message of final victory, there are some things hard to understand about the book of Revelation. But it was simple and plain to the people it was addressed to, the early Christians of the seven churches of Asia. It was addressed to them, not to us. I wouldn't worry about fitting a 1st Century message into the 21st Century.

Okay, here is a great exercise for us. Which of the words in your post above should I take literally and which of those should I take figuratively???