Scriptures of the Western Religions

The scripture, or holy writings for Judaism are the collectively most commonly referred to today as the Hebrew Bible. Another term is the Tanakh. It is also accepted as part of the Christian Bible, which Christians refer to as the Old Testament, and it is also the foundation of Islamic scriptures. The first 5 books, known as Torah, were at one time thought to be have written directly by Moses. They were originally written on scrolls in Hebrew. Jewish scholars and scribes began writing them down around 900 b.c.e. and the final form was not completed until 200 b.c.e.

There are two primary purposes of the Hebrew Bible. One is a history book which gives the history of mankind up until the fall of the second temple, as well as the history of God’s relationship with humans. Another is that it provides laws that if humans abide by, would provide humans with satisfactory conduct in the eyes of God, as well as right and just behavior on earth to other humans.

Many Jews today see it as having varying authority. Some see the garden of Eden story as a metaphor (as do some liberal Christians) and some see it as divinely inspired by God, as some conservative Christians do. Many Jews believe that a person must understand Hebrew in order to fully grasp the complete message in the scriptures. The synagogues also have a teaching purpose, and Hebrew schooling starting in early childhood is not uncommon.

The Christians have a New Testament in addition to the Old Testament, which includes 4 gospels, or stories of Jesus’ life on earth, his death, and resurrection. It also contains many letters and sermons that the early apostles used to spread to the message of Jesus. It ends with the book of Revelation, which describes with much symbolism times of tribulation, suffering, and global disasters, as well as the return of Jesus, and the resurrection of the dead. It describes battle with Satan, the antichrist, and the mark of the beast, all of which threaten Christianity on earth.

Most Christians believe that the Bible is directly inspired by God to humans, meaning basically that God told them what to write, and believe that by living according to the teachings of the New Testament, one can simulate a godly, Christlike life and will be saved from eternal damnation in Hell. Most Christians believe that the Bible is THE only holy book, and do not acknowledge the Qur’an whatsoever. Christians are encouraged to study the Bible for themselves.

The Qur’an, most Muslims believe, is made up of portions of the heavenly Book of God, brought down to Muhammed by the angel Gabriel. They believe that the beliefs and scriptures of the Christians and Jews are a result of adding to or changing of the scriptures that prophets Jesus and Moses brought. They believe that the Qur’an is an exact copy of the heavenly book.

It is used most widely in its oral form, memorized and recited in worship. When it was written by Muhammed's followers, it was written in Arabic, and it is believed by many Muslims that the Arabic language was a direct gift from God. Most Muslims also believe that the Qur’an cannot be accurately translated into other languages and retain its spiritual truth.

The Qur’an also tells stories about Muhammed’s life and the battles and persecutions he faced. It is not written in chronological order which confuses many non-Muslims who attempt to read it. It contains laws that are meant to be adhered to. There is no distinction between political law and the Muslim religion. Muhammed sought to create on earth a society where people lived the will of God in their every day life.

The oral tradition of the Qur’an is very important to Muslims. They believe it to be the eternal speech of God, and traditionally spoken recitation by followers is more important that personal study of the Qur’an.

references:

Qur'än. (1999). In Late Antiquity: A Guide to the Postclassical World. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press. Retrieved November 29, 2008, from http://www.credoreference.com.dml.regis.edu/entry/7829328/.

HEBREW. (2004). In Dictionary of Languages. London: A&C Black. Retrieved November 29, 2008, from http://www.credoreference.com.dml.regis.edu/entry/5909206/