The word "literal" means that something is happening exactly as it is described or written, without any exaggeration or metaphorical meaning. It is taking things exactly as they are, without any additional interpretation. Full definition
And then I learned more about the bible and the danger in literal interpretation after all these years. (nakedpastor.com)
In the most literal sense of the word, charms work magic on the viewer. (npr.org)
It is tragic that a book, clearly written by man, like the bible in its dark days of literal interpretation, can lead to such destruction. (religion.blogs.cnn.com)