Sacred Texts, Violent Ends: How Literalist Readings of the Bible and the Qur’an Undermine Global Peace

Abstract

This study examines how scriptural literalism contributes to religious extremism and undermines global peace through a comparative analysis of two case studies: Christian zionist interpretations of biblical texts concerning Palestine and extremist readings of the Qur’anic ‘Sword Verse’. The study addresses the problem of decontextualized interpretations of sacred texts that are used to legitimize violence and advance exclusivist political agendas. The objective is to identify the common interpretive patterns underlying such readings and assess their implications for peace and coexistence. Employing a qualitative methodology that integrates historical-critical analysis with interpretive inquiry, the study analyses primary religious sources and their contemporary applications. The findings reveal that literalist readings detached from their historical, linguistic, and ethical contexts facilitate the construction of ideological frameworks that justify violence and distort the broader peace-oriented teachings of both traditions. Despite their different religious settings, the two cases exhibit a shared interpretive tendency: the selective appropriation of scripture to support militant objectives. The study concludes that contextual and integrative approaches to scriptural interpretation, together with critical religious literacy and interfaith engagement, are essential for countering extremist narratives and promoting peaceful coexistence.