Metaphors are the Spice of Life

Literalists, maybe especially religious literalists, have a difficult time with metaphors. A metaphor is a word that makes an organic connection from what you can see to what you can't see. In any conversation involving God, whom we can't see, metaphors are invaluable for keeping language vivid and immediate. Without metaphors we are left with colorless abstractions and vague generalities.

Eugene Peterson, Practice Resurrection, Loc. 55-58 (Kindle Edition)

Symbolism and Revelation

Revelation is more like a map: and a map, once we learn the symbols it uses, is actually of more use to us than an aerial photograph would be.

N.T. Wright, Small Faith--Great God, Loc. 60-61 (Kindle Edition)

Augustine and figurative meaning

Any harsh and even cruel word or deed attributed to God or his saints that is found in the holy scriptures applies to the destruction of the realm of lust [i.e. it is to be taken only figuratively].

Augustine, On Christian Doctrine, 3.39