I was having a conversation with my husband last night about "reading about religion." When it comes to the majority "religion", one may think of the Bible (or New Testament) as a means to read about Christianity and its ways. When it comes to Judaism, one thinks of the Torah (or Old Testament) and when it comes to Islam, one thinks of the Quran. But is that all enough?
Is it enough to just read the three holy books or one of these holy books and learn all there is to know about religion? In my opinion, it is definitely not enough to just read the holy books. Just as one has to put a dictionary next to him/her in order to read a very difficult text or one in a different language, it is the same with these holy books. Now I know that due to media or it being the "majority rule", the Bible has been translated into the most easy text in English and all other languages. In addition, it has been expressed and translated into television shows, movies, politics, and other parts of society. In my opinion, though, the actual book itself will provide the truth but to be able to understand it, we need other outlets to help us understand the book!
What I mean by "outlet" is not watching movies or shows but actually reading other books. These may not be other religious texts but books that have been written about these texts. Perhaps one may think that it is inappropriate to do so since other books are written by "average" people's analysis and interpretation of these holy books. Perhaps this is true. However, this is why it is essential to read books from different kinds of authors and not just settle in on one. In today's age and time, the Internet is accessible to all and in it, one can find the latest porno and also the latest translation of the holy books along with articles, talks, documentaries, e-books, and many other means to increase our knowledge about our religion. So, really, what's stopping us?
Is it enough to just read the three holy books or one of these holy books and learn all there is to know about religion? In my opinion, it is definitely not enough to just read the holy books. Just as one has to put a dictionary next to him/her in order to read a very difficult text or one in a different language, it is the same with these holy books. Now I know that due to media or it being the "majority rule", the Bible has been translated into the most easy text in English and all other languages. In addition, it has been expressed and translated into television shows, movies, politics, and other parts of society. In my opinion, though, the actual book itself will provide the truth but to be able to understand it, we need other outlets to help us understand the book!
What I mean by "outlet" is not watching movies or shows but actually reading other books. These may not be other religious texts but books that have been written about these texts. Perhaps one may think that it is inappropriate to do so since other books are written by "average" people's analysis and interpretation of these holy books. Perhaps this is true. However, this is why it is essential to read books from different kinds of authors and not just settle in on one. In today's age and time, the Internet is accessible to all and in it, one can find the latest porno and also the latest translation of the holy books along with articles, talks, documentaries, e-books, and many other means to increase our knowledge about our religion. So, really, what's stopping us?
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