Sacred Texts

Question 1

What is the sacred text of Christianity?

Answer 1

The Bible (Old Testament and New Testament)

The Bible is divided into two main sections: the Old Testament, which is shared with Judaism, and the New Testament, which focuses on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

Question 2

What is the primary holy book of Islam?

Answer 2

The Quran

The Quran is considered the literal word of God as revealed to Prophet Muhammad. The Hadith are also important, consisting of sayings and actions of Muhammad.

Question 3

What does the Jewish sacred text, the Tanakh, consist of?

Answer 3

The Torah, Nevi’im, and Ketuvim

The Tanakh is the Hebrew Bible that encompasses the Law (Torah), the Prophets (Nevi’im), and the Writings (Ketuvim).

Question 4

What are the key texts of the Bahá’í Faith?

Answer 4

The Kitáb-i-Aqdas, The Kitáb-i-Íqán, and writings of Bahá’u’lláh

The Kitáb-i-Aqdas is considered the Most Holy Book of the Bahá’í Faith.

Question 5

What is the Samaritan sacred text?

Answer 5

The Samaritan Torah

The Samaritan Torah is similar to the Jewish Torah but contains variations unique to Samaritan beliefs.

Question 6

Name the four Vedas in Hinduism.

Answer 6

Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, Atharvaveda

The Vedas are ancient scriptures that form the foundation of Hindu religious knowledge.

Question 7

What are the main texts of Buddhism?

Answer 7

The Tripitaka, The Mahayana Sutras, The Tibetan Book of the Dead

The Tripitaka, also known as the Pali Canon, is the earliest collection of Buddhist teachings.

Question 8

What is the primary scripture of Sikhism?

Answer 8

Guru Granth Sahib

Guru Granth Sahib is regarded as the eternal Guru by Sikhs and contains the teachings of the Sikh Gurus.

Question 9

What are the main texts in Taoism?

Answer 9

The Tao Te Ching and Zhuangzi

The Tao Te Ching is attributed to Laozi, while Zhuangzi is a foundational text exploring Taoist philosophy.

Question 10

What are the key texts of Confucianism?

Answer 10

The Five Classics and The Four Books

The Analects of Confucius is included in The Four Books, which are critical for understanding Confucian thought.

Question 11

What are the sacred texts of Zoroastrianism?

Answer 11

The Avesta

The Avesta includes the Gathas, which are hymns attributed to Zoroaster, the founder of Zoroastrianism.

Question 12

What are the holy texts of Yazidism?

Answer 12

The Mishefa Reş (Black Book) and The Kitêbê Cilwe (Book of Revelation)

Yazidism has its own unique scriptures that guide the faith’s beliefs and practices.

Question 13

Fill in the blank: The primary scripture of Jainism is the _______.

Answer 13

Agamas

The Agamas are the canonical scriptures of Jainism, containing teachings attributed to the Tirthankaras.

Question 14

What is the significance of The Popol Vuh?

Answer 14

It contains various oral traditions of the Mayans

The Popol Vuh is a key text in understanding the mythology and history of the Maya civilization.

Question 15

Name a sacred text of Rastafarianism.

Answer 15

The Holy Piby and The Kebra Nagast

The Kebra Nagast is also sacred to Ethiopian Christianity and details the history of the Ethiopian monarchy.

Question 16

What is the Bön Canon?

Answer 16

The sacred texts of the Tibetan Indigenous Religion

The Bön Canon overlaps with some Tibetan Buddhist texts, reflecting shared cultural and religious ideas.

Question 17

True or False: Many religions have supplementary texts that play an important role in their traditions.

Answer 17

True

These supplementary texts can include commentaries, interpretations, and oral traditions that enrich the understanding of the primary sacred texts.

Question 18

What are the Gathas?

Answer 18

The most sacred texts of Zoroastrianism, composed by Zarathustra

Likely written between 1200–1000 BCE and form the oldest part of the Avesta.

Question 19

Who composed the Gathas?

Answer 19

Zarathustra (Zoroaster)

The Gathas are attributed directly to him.

Question 20

In what language are the Gathas written?

Answer 20

Gathic Avestan

This ancient language is closely related to Sanskrit.

Question 21

How many hymns are in the Gathas?

Answer 21

17 hymns

These hymns are divided into five sections.

Question 22

What is the main theme of the Gathas?

Answer 22

Ethical living, truthfulness, and devotion to Ahura Mazda

They do not focus on rituals or ceremonies.

Question 23

What does Ahura Mazda represent?

Answer 23

The supreme god of wisdom and truth

Central figure in Zoroastrian belief.

Question 24

What is Asha in Zoroastrianism?

Answer 24

Truth and Order

Represents the moral law governing the universe.

Question 25

What is Vohu Manah?

Answer 25

Good Mind

Represents the pursuit of wisdom and righteous thought.

Question 26

What are the two opposing forces in Moral Dualism?

Answer 26

Spenta Mainyu and Angra Mainyu

Represents the constant struggle between good and evil.

Question 27

Fill in the blank: The Gathas emphasize _______ and ethics.

Answer 27

Free Will

Humans are encouraged to choose righteousness and truth.

Question 28

What is the first group of hymns called?

Answer 28

Ahunavaiti Gatha

Contains prayers for guidance and justice (Yasna 28–34).

Question 29

What does the Ushtavaiti Gatha focus on?

Answer 29

The joy of righteousness and teachings on free will

It is found in Yasna 43–46.

Question 30

What is the theme of the Spentamainyu Gatha?

Answer 30

The battle between good and evil

This section is found in Yasna 47–50.

Question 31

What does the Vohukhshathra Gatha describe?

Answer 31

The ideal Zoroastrian society

Located in Yasna 51.

Question 32

What is the focus of the Vahishtoishti Gatha?

Answer 32

The reward of righteous living

This section is found in Yasna 53.