Introduction

The question of why the teachings of the Bible and the Quran are not being followed properly today is a complex one. Drawing parallels to why someone might not adhere to the teachings of a fictional source, like the Harry Potter series, reveals that the essence of these questions lie within the human tendency to interpret and apply teachings in a way that suits our modern context. This article explores the underlying reasons and historical contexts that contribute to this issue.

Why Teachings Are Often Misunderstood

If the people who claim to follow the Bible or the Quran are not adhering to their teachings properly, it is not necessarily because the teachings themselves are fictional. Rather, it is due to the inherent human tendency to reinterpret, adjust, and perhaps manipulate these texts to fit personal or societal preferences. The historical and cultural contexts in which these sacred texts were written and received have significantly influenced their interpretations over time.

The Bible, being one of the longest-standing religious texts, has undergone numerous translations and reinterpretations. The actions of certain historical figures, such as the rise of the Holy Roman Empire, further altered the original teachings. The New Testament, for instance, has been the subject of many controversies and revisions, leading to a wide range of denominations and beliefs within Christianity. Each denomination tends to emphasize different teachings from the Bible, reflecting the diverse ways in which early Christians interpreted these texts.

The Deviation from Original Teachings

Much like the historical examples provided, the current deviations from the original teachings can be traced back to mistranslations, misinterpretations, and the influence of powerful figures. Even in a form of Christianity that might appear orthodox, the apostasy predicted by Jesus is evident. Many modern denominations deviate from the core teachings of Jesus, as seen in the book of Acts, where the early church community exhibited a united and radical dedication to Christ’s commandments. ">(Note: The book of Acts is not attributed to the teachings of Jesus, but rather to the actions and beliefs of the early Christian community)

The Contrast with Judaism and Islam

While it is true that some Jews and Muslims follow their scriptures meticulously, the vast majority of the global population does not. These statistics relate to the broader trends of religious adherence rather than absolute numbers. It is acknowledged that numerous followers of Judaism and Islam are faithful to their sacred texts, but this does not negate the fact that many others do not practice in a way they should or consistently adhere to the original teachings.

In the case of Islam, there is a similar level of deviation from the original teachings as seen in Christianity. Many Muslims would not say that they follow the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah exactly, although there is a significant proportion that does. The term "Sunni" and "Shia" refers to different interpretations and practices within Islam, indicating further deviations from the original teachings.

The Human Tendency to Interpret Religiously

The propensity to cherry-pick convenient teachings and avoid inconvenient ones is a common human behavior, not unique to religion. Many have found comfort in vague or uplifting sections of religious texts while conveniently ignoring those that might challenge their beliefs or behaviors. Additionally, religious leaders and teachers often adapt their teachings to align with contemporary social norms and trends, sometimes diluting the core messages.

This tendency is further exacerbated by the constant evolution of societal values and expectations. As human societies change and evolve, the interpretations of ancient texts must also adapt to stay relevant.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the deviance from the original teachings in both the Bible and the Quran can be explained by historical, cultural, and personal factors. It is a complex issue that involves the evolution of religious texts over time, the influence of powerful figures, and the human tendency to adapt religion to suit contemporary values. While it is clear that many people do not follow their religious texts as they should, it is important to recognize that there are many faithful adherents as well. The challenge is to ensure that our interpretations and applications of these texts remain true to their original intentions.