This is your problem to solve, though it's not really a problem, it's simply a point of interest. Christians do tend to be fixated on the literal when the Bible is more so a treatise regarding the spiritual path humans should take and the unpacking of complex spiritual concepts.
Either way, literal or metaphorical makes little difference, the reality of Christ prevailed, He rose from death in the manner required to compel His Message to the world.
I appreciate the technique you use in throwing back and requiring precise verses but the Bible does not spoon feed the believers. Regardless the differing branches of Christianity still have their particular standards of belief that their Christian cultures dictates to them.
