Lost in Translation

Of the major faiths of the world, very few have primary texts that were originally written in English, nor for that matter any language spoken exactly as it is today. Thus, we have nothing but translations to work from, for even if we have the originals (a rare event, indeed), noone can read them. Additionally, we in few cases truly know much about the origins of these texts other than from scripture itself. I do not mean to outright question the origins of religious texts, but I do want everyone to stop long enough to wonder if what they're reading is what it's meant to be.

Over the years, texts have been edited, revised, reduced, enlarged, translated (and re-translated, and re-re-translated), and outright rewritten. Given the trust placed in the scribes who did this work, it is unlikely that much proofreading was done back to original sources, and even then it was likely done by the same small elite that prompted the rewriting. Since languages rarely translate perfectly (considering discrepancies in history and culture), a translator must inherently work in their own spin. Additionally, politics will always work its way into decisions - what to include, what to exclude, what language to use, etc. The final product is not a replica of the original, for sure.

However, the message is probably not changed too drastically. In the end, the books still tell stories of how to be a good person and live a good life. Therefore, don't get tied up in the specific words, but listen to the general idea. Despite some editing, it's still the Good Book.