Four Ways

The email Aleteia tells us about the 4 ways to read scripture:

Literal --  as historical fact

Moral  --  the thematic theme is the point

Allegorical  --  the real story is implied

Anagogical -- what is to come.  Everything will come together

Here's an application:

Story of Samaritan Woman at the well.  John 4: 1-42.

Literal  --  A woman alone would tell you that she wasn't accepted by the other women.  Hebrew men did not talk to Samaritan women.

Moral  --  We should accept everybody.

Allegorical  --  This is a story about love, acceptance, redemption, and acceptance.

Anagogical  --  Jesus offers true love which we will truly fulfill once we get to heaven.