The very concept of "taking literally" is post-medieval. Now that it is in the world, nobody can - however hard one tries to - have the same kind of belief as one's ancestors before. Fundamentalism is heresy, and so is the idea of "taking it symbolically". The authors of the Bible would not even have understood either concept, let alone agreed to it. The same applies to the Quran, which is obviously more coherent, though.

Thus we have no choice but to redefine religion. Ancient wisdom is sometimes helpful when modern wisdom fails, but what we are really absolutely in need of is a sense of identity drawn from the continuity of generations. Therefore we have the strong desire to relate to the culture of our own ancestors, their beliefs, languages, writing, music, etc. New or newly acquired foreign wisdom is definitely a good thing, but we must merge it into our own identity to make it work.

Many philosophers since 18th century have tried to reformulate Christian or other religions to conform to modern thinking, hut those who insisted on naked realism have so far failed to capture the faith of larger congregations, and to convey that sense of identity and historic depth. Thus it seems we have to live with God, who should however not be bothered with such a latter-day occupation as "existing".

Children have a very healthy attitude towards myths and other stories of questionable realism; no need to keep them away from these. Fundamentalists are created during puberty or afterwards.