Define literal vs non-literal.

I would have to disagree with you on the timing of the writing of the books of the NT.I would also disagree with you on the point of Jesus not being spoken of as an earthly literal person.the gospels are the account of his life and they certainly present a real person.

wikipedia, Biblical hermeneutics writes: In the interpretation of a text, hermeneutics considers what language says, supposes, doesn't say, and implies. The process consists of several steps for best attaining the Scriptural author's intended meaning(s). One such process is taught by Henry A Virkler, in Hermeneutics: Principles and Processes of Biblical Interpretation (1981):
1. Lexical-syntactical analysis: This step looks at the words used and the way the words are used. Different order of the sentence, the punctuation, the tense of the verse are all aspects that are looked at in the lexical syntactical method. Here, lexicons and grammar aids can help in extracting meaning from the text.
2. Historical/cultural analysis: The history and culture surrounding the authors is important to understand to aid in interpretation. For instance, understanding the Jewish sects of the Palestine and the government that ruled Palestine in New Testament times increases understanding of Scripture. And, understanding the connotations of positions such as the High Priest and that of the tax collector helps us know what others thought of the people holding these positions.
3. Contextual analysis: A verse out of context can often be taken to mean something completely different from the intention. This method focuses on the importance of looking at the context of a verse in its chapter, book and even biblical context.
4. Theological analysis: It is often said that a single verse usually doesn't make a theology. This is because Scripture often touches on issues in several books. For instance, gifts of the Spirit are spoken about in Romans, Ephesians and 1 Corinthians. To take a verse from Corinthians without taking into account other passages that deal with the same topic can cause a poor interpretation.
5. Special literary analysis: There are several special literary aspects to look at, but the overarching theme is that each genre of Scripture has a different set of rules that applies to it. Of the genres found in Scripture, there are: narratives, histories, prophecies, apocalyptic writings, poetry, psalms and letters. In these, there are differing levels of allegory, figurative language, metaphors, similes and literal language. For instance, the apocalyptic writings and poetry have more figurative and allegorical language than does the narrative or historical writing. These must be addressed, and the genre recognized to gain a full understanding of the intended meaning.

Note the topic of this thread. As Purpledawn has stressed regarding Genesis 1, we are not considering here whether or not the Gospel accounts are actually true or whether Jesus actually was a literal person, but whether or not the accounts portray Him as a literal person.

The writings of Paul do not portray him as a literal person. He makes no mention of the happenings in the gospels(primarily because they did not exist in his time).

He talks about a Jesus that existed in another realm.

He makes no mention of the happenings in the gospels

He is writing about the other worldly Son of Man. He is not writing as if he believed jesus was a real historical figure.

There are many occasions when reading through the threads here that I come across this sentence:"Well that's obviously not to be taken literally - it was just a dream/song/interpretation that had at the time"When reading the bible, what are the rules around what is to be taken literally, and what is not?Are there any rules?

Paul obviously was writing about the Person of Jesus in connection with historical events which he knew had occured.

But his audience to a great degree, and obviously were familiar with the events and the person.

Doesn't First Corinthians 15 discuss the resurrection of Jesus and His appearances to disciples, some of which were still alive to refute or verify what Paul was telling the church in Corinth ?

NET Bible writes: And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is futile and your faith is empty. Also, we are found to be false witnesses about God, because we have testified against God that he raised Christ from the dead, when in reality he did not raise him, if indeed the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is useless; you are still in your sins.