Sacred texts and sources of authority
What this domain tests
This domain tests how scriptures and other authorities shape belief and practice: canon, inspiration, revelation, interpretation, translation and the relationship between text, tradition, reason and conscience.
Key sources
- Christianity: the Bible, Old and New Testaments; the four Gospels; Paul's letters. Catholics also weigh Tradition and the magisterium; Protestants emphasise sola scriptura.
- Islam: the Qur'an, understood as the literal word of God revealed to Muhammad; the Hadith reports his sayings, and Sunnah his practice. Ijma (consensus) and qiyas (analogy) extend law.
- Judaism: the Torah (Pentateuch), Tanakh, Talmud (Mishnah and Gemara) and rabbinic responsa.
- Hinduism: Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita; authority also rests with gurus and tradition.
- Buddhism: the Tripitaka and sutras; the Sangha and the Buddha's teaching.
- Sikhism: the Guru Granth Sahib, treated as the living Guru.
Worked example
'Explain two ways the Qur'an is a source of authority for Muslims.' Strong answer: 'It is believed to be God's direct speech, so its commands are binding; daily recitation in Arabic and memorisation shape identity; legal rulings on prayer, fasting and inheritance derive from it. Hadith explain how to perform these duties.' Notice that each point moves from the text's status to a concrete effect.
Traps
Do not say 'the Bible' when the question names Islam or Hinduism. Do not confuse the Qur'an with the Hadith. Do not claim all followers read a text literally: fundamentalist and liberal readings differ, and translation can change meaning. Link interpretation to the specific community.