Why are literalists literalists?

While there are writings that are foundational to the development of religions, IMO, the individual believer also has a foundation on which they base their religion.If the foundation of a beliver's faith is that Adam and Eve were actual people who fell from grace, then it is very difficult for them to release that belief without having a spiritual crisis.As I understand it, if the Adam and Eve story or creation story were shown not to have happened as written, it would not shake the foundation of the Jewish religion. It is not their focal point if I understand correctly.The closest comparison I can think of is that it would be similar to someone providing proof that your beloved father of 40 years was not your father. You would end up in an emotional crisis.That's my personal view.

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"Peshat is what I say and derash is what you say." --Nehama Leibowitz

This topic is about WHY literalists are literalist, not whether that belief or position is valid or not.OP refresher: Since this is a faith and belief thread, question respectfully within the limits of the OP, but challenging for evidence crosses into off-topic territory.Please keep in the spirit of the OP.Thank you This message has been edited by purpledawn, 03-13-2006 09:11 AM