Contaminated Faith: A Thought Experiment on Evil’s Influence in Holy Scriptures

Introduction

What if God exists — and is the same divine source for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam? What if the core of these religions is pure: a moral compass pointing humankind toward compassion, justice, and connection? And what if that compass has been partially distorted, not by disbelief, but by another force — evil itself?

This thought experiment explores the idea that while the core values of these three major monotheistic religions remain intact, the scriptures may have been contaminated. Not at their heart — but in the surrounding layers, shaped by human hands, human egos, and perhaps even malevolent influence.

The Moral Core: Timeless and Universal

When we take the Ten Commandments as a foundation, we see a shared ethical structure that resonates across all traditions:

• Do not kill

• Do not steal

• Do not lie

• Honor your parents

• Do not commit adultery

• Do not covet

These are not abstract theological rules. They are practical, humane guidelines for living well with others. Each of the three religions reinforces these values, just as the core messages of Jesus — love, forgiveness, humility — and Muhammad — justice, compassion, spiritual responsibility — echo the same human truths.

And yet, throughout history and even today, atrocities are committed in the name of faith. Not in defiance of religion, but as a supposed expression of it. How is that possible?

A Thought Experiment: The Devil in the Details

In all three faiths, evil plays a meaningful role:

• In Judaism, Satan is a challenger, one who tests faith.

• In Christianity, the Devil becomes a deceiver, leading souls astray.

• In Islam, Shaytan and certain djinn are entities that whisper misguidance into the hearts of humans.

What if this evil did not only target individuals — but infiltrated the very process of revelation and scripture writing? What if it planted subtle distortions, not to erase religion, but to twist it just enough to sow division, extremism, and violence?

Not in the core — not in the message of mercy and truth — but in the margins. In the interpretations. In the rules added later. In how people were told to apply divine guidance.

Faith as Weapon Instead of Compass

When faith becomes about obedience to rules rather than living moral truths, it becomes a tool of power:

• Wars are fought in God’s name.

• Women and minorities are oppressed.

• Religious leaders abuse their status.

• Violence is justified as sacred.

These are not just historical accidents. They repeat across eras and cultures — because wherever humans are, there is also ego, fear, and the potential for manipulation.

If evil exists, could it not be far more effective by corrupting what people believe to be good?

Interpretation: Bridge or Trap?

Sacred texts are recorded by people. And people interpret. This is not inherently bad — interpretation allows religious teachings to stay relevant and alive.

But interpretation is also where bias, fear, ambition, and yes — possibly influence from malevolent forces — creep in.

There is not a single major religion without splits, sects, schisms. Why? Because interpretation is not pure. And some interpretations justify actions that contradict the very moral roots they claim to uphold.

Back to the Core: Ethics Before Dogma

The challenge for the believer is not “How strictly can I follow this rule?” but rather:

How can I live in alignment with the core values of my faith?

The focus should not be on defending a religion’s superiority, but on embodying its wisdom.

Not: who obeys most literally?
But: who shows the most mercy, compassion, humility?

In this sense, the spiritual aim in Islam — to return to God — might not lie in rigid ritual, but in moral awakening.

Conclusion: Faith Reclaimed from the Edges

Perhaps evil’s greatest success is not disbelief, but twisting belief. Not destroying scripture, but polluting its interpretation. Not defying God, but using God’s name to do ungodly things.

Sacred texts, while divinely inspired, pass through human hands. In that space, contamination can occur — whether by ego, power, or spiritual corruption.

Today’s challenge is to reclaim the heart of religion, to live by its values even when that means questioning its institutions.

We must ask ourselves not:

“How do I protect my religion from outsiders?”
but rather:
“How do I protect its moral truth — even from insiders who abuse it?”

And perhaps the most faithful act is not to die for God, but to live ethically in His image.
To be honest. To be kind. To refuse to let fear or hatred guide our hands.

And above all, to remember:

Being a good person is not a side effect of faith — it is the purpose of it.