If the mantle did not overshadow the intellect...

[_moksha]

Why do we Mormons take all stories in Biblical and other LDS Canon books so literally, especially items that are obviously allegory? If the mantle did not overshadow the intellect so heavily, allegory might flourish.

Are we weakened as a religious community by injecting needless superstition and impossible events into our belief structure as being literal rather than figurative?

[_Dr. Shades]

Which stories in Biblical and other LDS scriptures are allegory, which are factual, and how do you know the difference?

[_moksha]

Which stories in Biblical and other LDS scriptures are allegory, which are factual, and how do you know the difference?

That would need to be decided on a case by case basis. Even among incredible stories there are gradations. Wars or other conflicts, whether real or imaginary, would still have a greater toe hold on reality than say the Earth stopping its rotation for a day, a night and a day.

Anything we haven't experienced in history could possibly be claimed as allegory even if it actually occurred, however, clearly impossible stories most definitely seem allegorical. For those events that seem plausible my guess is that believers would give these events a pass.

[_Dr. Shades]

It's too bad for the LDS church that its prophets assume it's all literal.