Authority and Religious Texts

Abstract

Whilst religious scripture is not the only source of ethical authority for faith communities it is one of the most significant for all religious traditions. However, the interpretation, role and force of scripture varies not only between but within traditions. For example, Scriptural sources of revelation are foundational to Judaism, Christianity and Islam but although important, carry a different weight within other faith traditions. Yet even within Christianity, Judaism and Islam there is a range of interpretive principles, with significant implications for ethical understandings and principles. This chapter analyses the role of scripture in more detail, with particular reference to modes of interpretation, religious reasoning and the relationships of scripture to other sources of ethical authority, religious and otherwise. The various ways in which scripture and religious law might be understood are illustrated by reference to ethical issues in contemporary debate, namely gender and sexuality and the use of force. Some consideration is also given to the extent to which religious scripture may have relevance, or parallels in secular thought, for those who are not believers, for example the sanctity of life and the golden rule.