I don't know since I simply do not know the mindset of the authors. Part of our problem with the use of symbolism is that any symbol may possibly be interpreted differently by different people.

For example, were Jesus' parables real events or myths used to convey teachings? The early church struggled with that question, with some of the theologians stating that Jesus would not tell a lie so there must have been a real "Good Samaritan", for example. Others said that it was irrelevant whether the "Good Samaritan" actually existed or not because it's the teachings that are most important. The latter group won out.

Anyhow, have a great weekend-- I'll be gone until next Wednesday.

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"The further the spiritual evolution of mankind advances, the more certain it seems to me that the path to genuine religiosity does not lie through the fear of life, and the fear of death, and blind faith, but through striving after rational knowledge."-- Einstein