• Big Idea: Language has a crucial part to play in the spread of religious knowledge.

  • Real-World Example: Think about the Bible or Quran. These holy texts are the primary sources of religious knowledge for millions, and they're shared and understood through language.

• Important Concept: Religious knowledge is passed down through spoken or written traditions. The acceptance or rejection of these traditions can be influenced by various factors, causing knowledge issues.

  • Real-World Example: Ancient Vedic hymns in Hinduism were passed down orally for generations before they were written down. This oral tradition created possibilities for misinterpretation or changes, which could be viewed as a knowledge issue.

• Discussion Point: Is language necessary for religious knowledge? Can we 'know' something religiously or share it without language?

  • Reflection: Think about experiences such as spiritual feelings or sensations. These aren't easily expressed in words but could still be an essential part of religious knowledge for some.

Big Idea: Translating religious texts can bring the knowledge to new audiences. However, this can also introduce opportunities and risks.

Important Concept: Acquiring religious knowledge in a language different from the original text can be risky as nuances can get lost in translation, but it also offers an opportunity for more people to access this knowledge.

• Real-World Example: Consider the translation of the Bible into hundreds of languages. This allowed Christianity to spread globally but also led to different interpretations of the same text.