What sacrifices count as non-symbolic? Animal sacrifice? Human?
Why is this interpreted as taking (similar) religious beliefs more literally, rather than just having different beliefs?
Is there a quantitative argument to be made that more beliefs were more literal in older times, apart from some examples?
Why is this interpreted as taking (similar) religious beliefs more literally
Because if you don't literally believe that the ritual will win you useful-in-real-life god's favor, each sacrifice reduces your chances to survive and prosper.
Is there a quantitative argument to be made that more beliefs were more literal in older times
If you want to get numbers involved, you first need to specify (with numbers) what does "more literal" mean.
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