Early Religions of the Middle East

Writing Assignment Two

Early religions have been studied very extensively, and continue to be a predominant topic among many scholars and historians. This could be due to the fact that there are so many different types of religious, and each religion having their own written guidelines, but yet most are very closely related. Whither looking at primary sources or secondary, one thing is for sure, and that is that the early religions can often be confused due to their closeness in nature. This Bibliographic essay will hopefully be helpful when sorting through information in order to write an exceptional paper.

(The Holy Bible, Revised Standard Edition. New York: Romans 1, 5, 10; Matthew 5, 6, 1952.) From the book of Matthew in chapter 5, otherwise known as the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus is preaching to a gathering on Mt. Zion. This passage gives us a picture of how the early Christian religion is supposed to be, and also gives Jesus view on the Golden Rule, as well as a commentary of the Ten Commandments. This passage contains the central tenets of Christian discipleship, and is often viewed by many scholars. This is the most major reading in the Christian community, and rightfully so, it has so much information that has been studied so extensively since its creation. This source can be used greatly in comparison with other early religious documents because this is such a famous piece of literature, and it is also a primary source, which makes it great for open interpretation. Another advantage of this source will be the fact that it covers a vast verity of subjects and topics which could be helpful.

(The Holy Qur’an, M.H. Shakir, Tahrike Tarsile Qur’an, Inc. 1983.) The Holy Qur’an, sometimes referred to as the Koran, is the central religious texts of Islam. Much like the Holy bible for Christians, the Koran offers a divine guidance and direction for mankind. Whereas the Christians believe that the bible was written as just accounts of Jesus and his teachings by many different authors, the Koran is said to be the real words of “Allah”, revealed to Muhammad over a 23 year span. This also is an excellent document because it is a primary source, and can be interpreted in many different ways. Other advantages of this source include the fact that, (like the Holy Bible) it offers many different subjects and topics that can be helpful, for example it lists the Five Pillars of Islam, which are much like the 10 Commandment of the Holy Bible. Also much like the Holy Bible, this reading has been studied and picked apart by so many scholars; it is a incredibly creditable source. One draw back to this source is that it is every long and very difficult to read, but once the information is found it will make an excellent addition to any paper.

(The Lotus Sutra, Burton Watson, 298-303. Columbia University Press, 1993.) The Lotus Sutra, although not as common as the Bible or Koran, is a major reading in the Buddhist society. The Lotus Sutra appears to be a discourse delivered by The Buddha himself toward the end of his life, and are his exact words. This source can be useful in many different aspects when discussing early historical religions. It also goes hand in hand with The Teachings of the Buddha (The Teachings of the Buddha. 142-158. Numata Center for Buddhist Translation and Research, 1980.). This source is much like the bible for Mahayana Buddists, it discusses an array of topics such as renunciation, enlightenment, the four noble truths, and the eightfold path. All of which are major factors when discussing early religions. This source is also very detailed in its delivery, for example the eight fold path is laid out very simple and easy to understand. Unlike the Holy Bible which uses many parables, and stories which can sometimes be hard to understand and interpret. One downfall of this reading much like the previously mentioned readings is that it is quite long and detailed. Although detail can be a very good thing when discussing items such as religious documents.

(The Vishnu Purana, H.H. Wilson, vol 5. New York: Garland Publishing, 1981.) This source is one of the major readings of the New Hindu religion. Although there are many different “Purana’s” this one gives the most information to help define this religion. Much like the previously mentioned sources, this source offers its own version of stories such as, a creation story, a tales of how man was formed, and also guidelines for how one should live a proper life. This primary source, much like the others, also gives detailed instructions on a verity of rituals in which must