Taking the Bible Literally

Let's be clear: the Bible is the Word of God. So am I saying that we shouldn't take the Word literally? I'm not saying that -- the Word says that. Jesus used parables to teach. He clearly didn't intend for us to take the parables literally (i.e., we aren't to pay orchard workers the same wages regardless of when they start), but he clearly intended us to take the teachings seriously.

So did Job exist? Was there really a great flood? Perhaps, but it is irrelevant. Just as it's irrelevant whether or not a Samaritan ever found a beaten Jew by the side of the road.

And since Jesus is the Word, and Word used parables, the Bible is (by definition) not to be taken literally.

Note though: when the Bible says "... the LORD says...", that was probably meant to be taken literally. And please don't take this as license to re-interpret the Bible for your own ends.