Bible to be interpreted literally or symbolically?

I think the bible should be interpreted litereally.

Why?

Well, if it was symbolic, obviously there are many different interpretations to it, and people would interpret it in many ways. THe different interpretations would cause much controversy. I think that God intended to have his word interpreted as it is written, as to be concise.

My opinion. This has to be my first thread in the religion forum, so please go easy on me.

i'd have to say symbolically cause when taken literally there are too many contradictions and other inconsistancies that just dont add up.

[Edited on 21-11-2003 by mutehalo]

Europeans in the middle ages took the Bible literally and guess what happened - Europe was plunged into Dark Ages!

If you take it literally, how do you know for sure you follow what God, if someone believes in it, intended you to believe in?

Nothing should be taken literally!