Well joe, I soppose the bible is treasured by those that see it as a virtue to reinterpret the plain understanding of scripture . And even Dawkins likes the kjv as literature. I am quite aware that evangelical scholars use various systems of study , and that is good . It is only when the plain meaning is jettisoned in favour of secular consensus that it is wrong. And to suggest that those of us who read scripture according to its plain meaning, and genre is simplistic is begging the question. However, when the text is clearly narrative , and is demonstrably so by textual criticism, we do take that literally.    And it seems to be churches that do retain traditional acceptance of the bible narrative and teaching ,that are often doing better and popping up all over the place. Success of course is not the measure of truth, but it does have a bearing on the OP.                         ........demonstrating your self delusion.....and begging the question don't help your argument either, stu.