Why do religions constantly reinterpret their ancient texts to answer contemporary questions?

Answer 1

Option #1: Because it is necessary for self-preservation. A religion that is no longer relevant is a dead religion.
Option #2: They don't. They discover meanings in the text that were previously hidden to them. The text itself applies to all times and situations, though its meaning may not always be apparent.
Option #3: Who cares. It can be interpreted a zillion different ways, and it's all baloney anyway.

Has that about covered all the permutations of answers you're likely to get? ;)

Answer 2

Well as far as the religion I belong to and believe in, there are things you can learn from the text and lessons can be applied to any day. People don't change, and some situations are actually similar to things now a days too. The leader of my church can receive new revelation regarding the church and how it is run, so things he might teach or policies change a little but just are updated for the current times. The teachings and doctrine of the church are still the same though!

Answer 3

You didn't give any examples, but I think that I can give you an answer from a Christian standpoint.

The Bible contains "precepts" that address the human condition throughout the centuries. While science and technology advance, mankind still suffers from the same internal struggles that have beset us since sin entered this world.

That's one reason why the Bible is such a valuable book. Having come from the mind of God it isn't subject to the latest winds of societal opinion.

Psalms 119:160 Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.

Answer 4

Religions are founded on a search for answers to questions that cannot be answered by modern day logic or science. When new questions come along, ancient texts must be twisted to make new answers.

Answer 5

because it's not easy to understand the whole holy book instantly. So it is needed that the interpreters have a deep knowledge to explore ancient texts to make every body loves peace and respect each other at all times. No need to satisfy ones desires

Answer 6

That is indeed the point of religion. It helps us live our everyday, contemporary problems.

God knows the past and the future. Therefore, when he inspired prophets to write scripture, He inspired them to write things that would be helpful to us today as well as to the people they were originally written for. God also calls modern prophets to help us understand how to apply the ancient scriptures to today's world.

Answer 7

First of all, its important to realize where these new interpretations come from, which one of the many versions / Translation of that sacred text (Bible) are they using? The Bible has been translated again and again, I believe some of the true meassages have been lost. But to answer your question, They do it to stay in bussiness and keep control. like someone else said "or they become a dead religion"

In my first Podcast Secred text is my main subject.

http://witchdoctorjoe.libsyn.com/

Answer 8

some people say we are living in the last days as said in the Bible. The truth is, when the Bible was first written, the people thought *those* were the last days. But to answer your question, I think it's because of short-sightedness and ignorance to the scope of life, history and culture (and maybe, in a weird way, arrogance).

Answer 9

Because God gave these writings as a testament so we could know what is coming on the earth! and we are waiting for future developments so we look at the types, in ancient scriptures , after comparing you will see history has play it out exactly!

Answer 10

Because they have to make their religion apply to real world events that are happening today. The last thing they want is for folks to say 'don't listen to the religious stuff..it's all old and out dated'. They need to keep the sheep blind...