Literalists

Literalists are individuals or groups who interpret texts, particularly religious scriptures or legal documents, in a strict and direct manner. This approach, often referred to as literalism, assumes that the words of a text should be understood in their plain, ordinary, and most obvious meaning, without recourse to figurative language, metaphor, or symbolic interpretation. In religious contexts, literalists often believe that the text is divinely inspired and that its meaning is fixed and unchanging, reflecting the author's intent precisely. This can lead to a conviction that scripture should be followed exactly as written. Legal literalism, on the other hand, emphasizes the precise wording of laws and statutes, believing that judicial interpretation should be limited to the plain meaning of the text to avoid judicial overreach. This contrasts with more interpretive approaches that might consider legislative intent, historical context, or evolving societal norms. The application of literalism can vary widely depending on the specific text and the context in which it is being interpreted.