[drstevej]

Dispensationalists, like Ryrie, argue for "normal" rather than "literal" interpretation. That is, when the author's intent is to use figurative language the interpreter isn't to force it to be literal. When the author intends a literal statement the interpreter is not to read in a figurative meaning.

This is the normal method of fairly handling written material whether it be the Constitution, a fellow freeper's post or the Bible.

Often there is considerable room for debate whether the biblical author intended to use figurative language and the precise point of the figure.

[wideawake]

Often there is considerable room for debate whether the biblical author intended to use figurative language and the precise point of the figure.

Well put.