How , Dave, can you KnOW the biblical writers did not intend their writings to be taken literally? Of course people like Daniel and Ezekiel when writing down their visions were unlikely to think the many strange images were literal , and as you yourself generously concede, there are other good , creative passages elsewhere.   I would say the internal evidence , however, indicates that those writing historical narrative intended it to be understood as exactly that.      As far as the gospels are concerned , I don't think anyone claims they were written during ,or straight after Jesus 'earthly life. And it is clear that there are different details esp john. Of course, had there been exact correspondence the skeptics would be crying collusion!          As far as "ignoramuses " are concerned , you will maybe recall according to shimrod, that the ancient men who wrote the biblical accounts were a bunch of sheep herding ignoramuses .....or similar wording...   From what you say here , I take it that you don't go along with that blinkered assessment.