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Notes -
You are misunderstanding what symbolism means. The Church Fathers constantly referred to the symbolic meanings in Genesis and other Old Testament texts. When I say symbolic I do not mean "miracles aren't real they are symbolic in ways that fit a materialist framework." I mean that the symbol, which is the word meaning "the place where Heaven and Earth meet," is an important frame for understanding religious tradition.
"Actual Christians" should in fact understand symbolism on a deep level, if they are serious about understanding their faith. If they just want to practice theosis and try to be more like Christ, that's fine too of course.
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