Good Reminder Marques,
Yes, the physically literal interpretation of this PARABLE is definitely a gross error. I remember discovering this years ago, as I was originally taught this to be literal. One point that helped me to not interpret this literally is that the Greek Word at Luke. 16:23 is Hades and not Gehenna and since in Hades one has no perception(imperceptible) of anything, so how could they be experiencing literal conscious Torments. If the Rich man were in Hades, how could he have a discussion with Lazarus or anyone else for that matter. Also a drop of water from Lazarus wouldn't be able to cool the tongue of the Rich Man or anyone, if they were in a literal blazing fire, how absurd. One last point, a literal place called Heaven couldn't be in close enough proximity to a Literal place of Eternal Punishment called Hell for a discussion to ensue between the Rich Man and Lazarus.
Just some of my thoughts that show how absurd interpreting this PARABLE in a literal fashion the way many do. Thankyou for this Thread, reminding us what a great error, a literal interpretation of this Parable is for many in Christendom.
Kind Regards & Gods Love, Samson.