Equating "literal" with the hermenuetic approach is a Clintonian exercize in obfuscation of the plain spoken word. here and here are more links and more information on Biblical hermenuetics than you would possibly care to absorb.
But the word "literal" has several different connotations, as the following shows. Notice the first usage:
lit·er·al Pronunciation Key (l
t
r-l)
adj.
- Being in accordance with, conforming to, or upholding the exact or primary meaning of a word or words.
- Word for word; verbatim: a literal translation.
- Avoiding exaggeration, metaphor, or embellishment; factual; prosaic: a literal description; a literal mind.
- Consisting of, using, or expressed by letters: literal notation.
- Conforming or limited to the simplest, nonfigurative, or most obvious meaning of a word or words.
Cordially,
here and here are more links and more information on Biblical hermenuetics than you would possibly care to absorb. The salient point about hermenuetics is that it is a body of knowledge that is parallel to the Bible. It is carried forward in the writings and experience of Biblical scholars. The Bible is thus interpreted not "literally" standing on its own -- but in context to this developed knowledge and expertise -- not available to the fundamentalist individual locked in his bedroom Bible in hand.
A "literal" Bible, one written in plain speak, could be self-contained and any reader conversant in the particular language as that of the Bible ought to be able to decern its actual, hence "literal" meaning.
On the other hand hermenuetic knowledge and practice would allow someone to deduce that Genesis is allegorical rather than a "literal" description of the science of the creation of the universe and man himself.
The hermenuetics of the Catholic Church is particularly wise in finally divorcing ALL scientific pronouncements from matters of essential faith. The Catholic Church wisely opened the door for acceptence of the evolutionary explanation for the origin of species.
A simple "literalist" interpretation, lacking the parallel knowledge base of the hermenuetic, cannot be reconciled with evolutionary science.