Scriptures

Scriptures are sacred writings regarded as authoritative within a religious tradition. They function as sources of revelation, doctrine, ritual instruction, and moral guidance, and may be considered divinely inspired, revealed to prophets, or produced by communities over time.

The content and scope of scriptures vary widely. Some traditions maintain a single authoritative text, while others preserve a canon or a library of writings. Texts are often transmitted in original languages and later translated, with translation influencing interpretation. Canonical status can differ among denominations, sects, or movements, sometimes yielding rival canons or apocryphal works.

Major religious traditions and their scriptures include: the Bible (Old and New Testaments) and the Quran in Islam; the Vedas, Upanishads, and Bhagavad Gita in Hinduism; the Tripitaka and various sutras in Buddhism; the Guru Granth Sahib in Sikhism; the Avesta in Zoroastrianism; and the Tao Te Ching and Zhuangzi in Taoism. Jainism has its Agamas and other scriptures. These texts address theology, cosmology, ethics, law, rituals, and narratives of sacred history.

Scriptures influence law, ethics, liturgy, education, and art within communities. They are studied, interpreted, and sometimes subjected to textual criticism of manuscript traditions and debates over translation. Sacred texts are often complemented by oral tradition, commentaries, and institutional authority.

In practice, adherents may treat scriptures as timeless guidance or as historical documents reflecting particular contexts. Attitudes toward literal versus metaphorical interpretation and the balance with tradition and reason vary across traditions and eras.