What are religious writings?

Aside from ​the Bible, there are many writings of a religious nature that are around today, some of which are from ancient times. Obviously, you have writings of a completely different religion, such as the Qur'an, but there are others that are, or at least claim to be, of Jewish or Christian origins. These include the Apocrypha, the Didache, the writings of the Church "Fathers", various pseudepigrapha, and plenty of others.

As Christians, we may ask if it is permissible for us to read these things? The answer is yes, though obviously with an asterisk if you are given to idolatry, or lack discernment. Obviously, some of these writings contain fanciful things one may be persuaded to believe, and quite often, while they may claim to be of Jewish or Christian origin, it is entirely possible they come from some heretical sect. Nevertheless, even the worst of the worst can teach us valuable information, if only by providing historical insight into its own era. Thus, as long as it is read with a discerning mind, and of course with Scripture being held in its correct place, these writings are perfectly acceptable to read.

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In this section, you'll find information about various Jewish or Christian writings (see the apologetics section for information about writings that don't directly claim to be of Jewish or Christian origin).