The contemporary Bible, as we are familiar with it today, is the result of an intricate historical process characterized by both unintentional errors and deliberate modifications carried out by early scribes during the transcription of texts [45]. Scholars have meticulously identified an extensive array of variations, over thirty thousand of them, in more than five thousand seven hundred Greek manuscripts. Additionally, there are approximately ten thousand manuscripts of the Latin Vulgate, along with versions in Syriac, Coptic, Armenian, Old Georgian, Church Slavonic, and the writings of early church fathers. This substantial body of textual evidence underscores the complexities of the Bible's transmission. Notably, in the third century, the Christian philosopher Origen candidly acknowledged to his pagan adversaries that certain passages in the Gospels lacked precision and logical coherence, raising questions about their accuracy and consistency [46].
The narratives and teachings associated with Jesus in Islamic literature bear discernible traces of influence from the Gospels, albeit often expanded upon or adapted to align with Islamic perspectives [47]. It is worth highlighting, however, that while the Quran acknowledges the divine guidance sent to Jesus in the form of the Gospel (Qur'an 3:2), Muslims are urged to exercise caution against being excessively influenced by it. This caution arises from the Quran's assertion that the authors of the Gospel wrote in accordance with their own inclinations and conjecture (Qur'an 2:78). Therefore, Muslims are generally discouraged from using the Gospels as a primary reference, citing concerns about distortion and alteration.
The teachings about Jesus in Muslim and Christian traditions frequently diverge, leading to a plethora of differing beliefs, narratives, and viewpoints, particularly concerning his crucifixion and resurrection [48]. It is worth noting that these distinct accounts are not explicitly presented in the Quran itself but are rather found in the Hadith (Muslim traditions) and other Islamic literature.
In summary, the Bible's complex transmission, the influence of Gospel narratives on Islamic teachings about Jesus, and the Quran's cautionary approach toward the Gospel underscore the multifaceted nature of religious texts and their interpretations. The acknowledgment of historical and theological complexities is essential in fostering interfaith understanding and dialogue.
45. Ehrman (2005)
46. Grant (2009)
47. Khalidi (2001)
48. Lawson (2009)
