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Religious texts are stories, laws, praises and interpretations of ancient events. Most of these were handed down from generation to generation orally, long before they were in written form. These texts are the same in that they are the foundations for a belief system and a resource for the practices of each religion. Most vary widely in what those individual practices are.

Many people dispute the validity of ancient texts. A large portion of texts used today were originally oral traditions. Much of what has been written was written many years after the actual event supposedly occurred. Some texts have been translated several times. It is possible that portions of text where accidentally distorted, or deliberately suppressed. Previously unknown texts appear from time to time and cause a flurry of controversy.

Religious texts establish a belief system for the followers of a particular religion. They lay down the moral laws, and in some cases, the legal laws of a society. The texts establish the accepted standards for a society. Many texts are a family tree; listing generation after generation of sons and occasionally, daughters.

Religious texts attempt to explain the unexplainable. They give meaning to celestial events and major upheavals. They assign a purpose to the destruction of entire cities such as Sodom and Gomorrah. In ancient times, they gave explanations to people of the things of nature such as the wind and the rain.

Religious texts give people hope for a better life. They give an outline on the way to achieve a better life. Whether you believe in karma, nirvana, or salvation, religious texts are the books to help you find the answers.

Some major religions have texts in common for instance; the Old Testament is shared through Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. From there they split onto their individual paths. All three religions have the same beliefs in the beginning of creation; Adam and Eve; Moses, and Abraham.

Most texts have no commonality with other religions. The Rig Veda is one such as this. It is believed to be the oldest religious text in the world. It is estimated to be between 8,000 and 12,000 years old. The Vedas are important texts for Hinduism. Buddhists of the Theravada tradition, study the Pali Canon. According to legend, five hundred elder monks worked together to compile the Pali Canon from the teachings of Buddha after his death.

The various religious texts have different worship practices. They have different versions of history and eternity. The one theme that they all share is the desire to live righteously and reach eternal peace.

An excellent source to read more about today's diverse religions;
Living Religions by Mary Pat Fisher.

Learn more about this author, Tina Hartley.
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