A literal reading means understanding something exactly as it is written or said without adding or interpreting any hidden or figurative meanings. Full definition
This may not be easy to explain to the sister, especially if her own convictions are tied in with a very literal reading of Scripture. (religion-online.org)
Even if one were to set aside an overly literal reading of the creation story and reject the assumption that intelligent design and evolution are always mutually exclusive, other questions would remain. (religion-online.org)
The author explores aspects and effects of the clash between the developing scientific study of Earth and beliefs based on literal readings of the Bible in England from the 1650s through to 1860. (science.sciencemag.org)