The “Torah”, often spelled “Tohra” in some texts, is the central and most sacred scripture of which religion?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Judaism

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Different world religions have distinct sacred texts that preserve their teachings, stories, and laws. The term “Torah” is especially significant in the context of Abrahamic religions. Understanding which religion regards the Torah as its central, sacred scripture is a basic part of world religions general knowledge.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The word in the question is “Tohra,” which is a phonetic spelling of “Torah.”
  • The question asks which religion considers this text sacred.
  • The options are Judaism, Confucianism, Zoroastrianism, and Taoism.
  • We assume familiarity with the main sacred texts of major world religions.


Concept / Approach:
The Torah is the foundational text of Judaism. It traditionally refers to the first five books of the Hebrew Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy) and contains narratives of creation, the early history of the Israelites, and a detailed set of religious laws. Confucianism is associated with texts like the Analects; Taoism with the Tao Te Ching and Zhuangzi; Zoroastrianism with the Avesta. None of these traditions call their primary scripture the Torah. Therefore, the correct answer is Judaism.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognise that “Torah” is a Hebrew term widely known as a central Jewish scripture. Step 2: Recall that Judaism, the religion of the Jewish people, regards the Torah as its most sacred foundational text. Step 3: Identify that Confucianism, Zoroastrianism, and Taoism each have different canonical texts, not named Torah. Step 4: Understand that Zoroastrianism uses the Avesta, Taoism uses Tao Te Ching and related works, and Confucianism uses the Analects and other classics. Step 5: Conclude that Judaism is the religion associated with the Torah.


Verification / Alternative check:
Any introductory book on world religions or comparative religion lists the Torah as the primary scripture of Judaism and explains its role in Jewish worship, law, and identity. Synagogues often house the Torah scrolls, which are read aloud during services. No credible source associates the Torah as the central scripture of Confucianism, Zoroastrianism, or Taoism, confirming Judaism as the correct answer.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Confucianism: Its key texts include the Analects, the Mencius, and the Five Classics, but not the Torah.
  • Zoroastrianism: Its sacred scripture is the Avesta, including the Gathas attributed to Zoroaster.
  • Taoism: Its foundational text is the Tao Te Ching (Dao De Jing), along with later works like the Zhuangzi, not the Torah.


Common Pitfalls:
Mispronunciations or variant spellings like “Tohra” can sometimes confuse learners who are not used to seeing the term in English. Another pitfall is mixing up different religious texts when learning many names at once. To avoid errors, remember the simple association: Torah equals Judaism, Bible (in Christian context) equals Christianity, Quran equals Islam, Avesta equals Zoroastrianism, and so on.


Final Answer:
The Torah is the central sacred scripture of Judaism.

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion