Re: Religious extremists in 3 faiths share views:
I can tell you only what I believe. I don't think one has to have original words from God, an angel, someone told by an angel as told by God or a prophet for the words and message to be inspired by God. I don't think there exists a text book on earth with God's direct words. He's not that simplistic. So "original form" is way overplayed in my book.
So while it is very possible Jesus' words were not recorded 100% accurately, I believe his message as presented in the Bible was inspired by God and is a model for man to follow. There has been constant changes in the interpretation of scripture and how it is practiced.
Even if scriptures were revealed and preserved in original form doesn't mean the religion is practiced as God intended. Just because one believes their scripture to be 100% original and pure doesn't mean that all their religious practices and beliefs are 100% correct or necessary. How much of the dogma, rituals and practices are actual from this preserved, original book and how many are from the way early followers decided the religion should be practiced? A good bit. So all religions are basically man made but inspired by God whether the original scripture was prerserved or not.