Christianity
Islam
Judaism
Hinduism
Buddhism
Written Scripture & Canonization
The process of writing down and canonizing sacred texts has shaped every tradition. Which texts are authoritative, who decided, and why — these questions reveal the human dimension of how divine revelation is preserved and transmitted to future generations.
Across the World's Religions
Christianity
- Practice
- Biblical canon — 66/73 books recognized as authoritative
- Key Text
- 2 Peter 3:15-16; 2 Timothy 3:16; Luke 24:44
Islam
- Practice
- Mushaf — compilation of the Quran under Uthman; one text, no variants
- Key Text
- Quran 15:9; 56:77-80
Judaism
- Practice
- TaNaKh canon — finalized by Sanhedrin; Talmud compiled over centuries
- Key Text
- Bava Batra 14b-15a; Megillah 7a
Hinduism
- Practice
- Vedas and Smriti written down; multiple textual traditions coexist
- Key Text
- Bhagavad Gita 4:1 (transmission chain); Brahma Sutra 1.1.3
Buddhism
- Practice
- Tipitaka written down in Sri Lanka (1st c. BCE); multiple canons
- Key Text
- Dipavamsa 20.20-21; Mahavamsa 33.100-101