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'''Scripture''' is a technical term for writings that are definitively characteristic of particular religious traditions. It is more specific than the term ''[[religious text]]'', which scholars can apply even to mythological and ritual texts from ancient religions, where records of their authority (or [[heresy]]) have not survived. Scholars of comparative religion investigate the different reasoning that lies behind why various traditions determine some writings to be scripture and others not. |
'''Scripture''' is a technical term for writings that are definitively characteristic of particular religious traditions. It is more specific than the term ''[[religious text]]'', which scholars can apply even to mythological and ritual texts from ancient religions, where records of their authority (or [[heresy]]) have not survived. Scholars of comparative religion investigate the different reasoning that lies behind why various traditions determine some writings to be scripture and others not. |
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This can be illustrated by the ancient documentation we have of an [[Ancient Egypt|Egyptian]] cult of [[Aten]], which lasted little more than a generation, having been supressed as heresy. Although texts in praise of Aten, like the [[Great Hymn to the Aten]], may be considered Aten scriptures, they cannot be considered definitive of ancient Egyptian scriptures. On the other hand, the [[Nicene Creed]] is an early Christian description of their beliefs. However, although this is clearly a religious text, and is highly valued by Christians, they do not consider it scripture. Scriptures are a very specific type of religious text. |
This can be illustrated by the ancient documentation we have of an [[Ancient Egypt|Egyptian]] cult of [[Aten]], which lasted little more than a generation, having been supressed as heresy. Although texts in praise of Aten, like the [[Great Hymn to the Aten]], may be considered Aten scriptures, they cannot be considered definitive of ancient Egyptian scriptures. On the other hand, the [[Nicene Creed]] is an early Christian description of their beliefs. However, although this is clearly a religious text, and is still highly valued by Christians today, they do not consider it scripture. Scriptures are a very specific type of religious text. |
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==Etymology and usage== |
==Etymology and usage== |
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The term ''scripture'' arose as an English translation of Judaeo-Christian usage and was applied, by analogy, to the scriptures of other traditions. |
The term ''scripture'' arose as an English translation of Judaeo-Christian usage and was applied, by analogy, to the scriptures of other traditions. |
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Revision as of 15:40, 3 November 2007
Scripture is a technical term for writings that are definitively characteristic of particular religious traditions. It is more specific than the term religious text, which scholars can apply even to mythological and ritual texts from ancient religions, where records of their authority (or heresy) have not survived. Scholars of comparative religion investigate the different reasoning that lies behind why various traditions determine some writings to be scripture and others not.
This can be illustrated by the ancient documentation we have of an Egyptian cult of Aten, which lasted little more than a generation, having been supressed as heresy. Although texts in praise of Aten, like the Great Hymn to the Aten, may be considered Aten scriptures, they cannot be considered definitive of ancient Egyptian scriptures. On the other hand, the Nicene Creed is an early Christian description of their beliefs. However, although this is clearly a religious text, and is still highly valued by Christians today, they do not consider it scripture. Scriptures are a very specific type of religious text.
Etymology and usage
The term scripture arose as an English translation of Judaeo-Christian usage and was applied, by analogy, to the scriptures of other traditions.
- scriptum
- graphai
- ketuvim