Parables Should Not Be Taken Literally
One reputable source states, ‘A parable is a succinct and allegorical story, often featuring relatable characters or situations, that is designed to convey a moral, ethical, or spiritual lesson.’
There are modern examples of parables. For instance, Animal Farm by George Orwell is a parable for the Russian Revolution, and The Crucible by Arthur Miller is a parable for McCarthyism. Similarly, in the Bible, Jesus often spoke in parables as a means of communicating concepts to his audience. Importantly, a parable in the Bible is an allegory or metaphor intended to convey an idea or message through symbolism and should not be taken literally.