I can provide some insights on how people might react if they discover aspects of their religion that challenge their beliefs or values. It's important to note that people's responses to religious texts can vary significantly, and these are general observations rather than definitive outcomes:
Horrified and Leave Religion: Some individuals, upon discovering elements in their religious texts that conflict with their personal values or ethical principles, may feel shocked, disappointed, or even horrified. In such cases, they might choose to distance themselves from the religious teachings or leave the faith altogether. This response is more likely to occur when the discrepancy between personal values and religious texts is significant.
Do Nothing and Stay within Religion: Some adherents may be aware of certain challenging or controversial aspects of their religious texts but may choose to interpret or contextualize those passages differently. They may focus on other aspects of their faith that resonate with them or believe in the overall positive message of their religion, finding ways to reconcile any conflicts.
Become Extremist: In some cases, a small fraction of individuals may react to discovering challenging religious texts by becoming more extremist. They might take an extreme, literalist interpretation of those texts and use them to justify radical or violent actions. However, it's crucial to emphasize that most people do not react this way, and extremism is not representative of the broader religious community.
Engage in Reinterpretation or Reform: In response to challenging texts, some individuals and religious communities may engage in reinterpretation or religious reform. They may seek to reinterpret or contextualize certain passages to make them more compatible with contemporary values and ethics.
It's important to remember that religious beliefs and practices are diverse and multifaceted, and individuals' responses to their religious texts are influenced by a wide range of factors, including cultural, social, and personal contexts. Additionally, religious texts often contain a mix of moral teachings, historical narratives, poetry, allegories, and cultural norms, making interpretations complex and varied. People's beliefs and understandings of their faith can evolve over time and may be influenced by ongoing dialogue, education, and personal growth.