Some critics argue that sacred texts do not provide direct, practical knowledge about everyday matters because their primary purpose is not to convey practical instructions but to reveal profound, hidden spiritual truths to seekers.

Unlocking Hidden Spiritual Wisdom

Some critics argue that sacred texts do not provide direct, practical knowledge about everyday matters because their primary purpose is not to convey practical instructions but to reveal profound, hidden spiritual truths to seekers. In other words, they believe that the content of these books serves as a carrier of a mysterious, inner experience that cannot be simply approached from the outside to extract explicit, concrete recommendations or action algorithms.

For instance, one source states:
"None of those who enter the house will ever be able to see it, unless the chest is opened for them. But it can never be opened by human wisdom. Moreover, the purely external knowledge of the Scriptures does not reveal its hidden treasure..." (source: link txt).

This quote metaphorically compares sacred texts to a sealed chest in which a wealth lies hidden, accessible only through a special spiritual insight rather than through ordinary, secular knowledge. Another source repeats this idea:
"But it can never be opened by human wisdom. Here, therefore, is asserted a fundamental opposition between spiritual knowledge and secular science. Moreover, the purely external knowledge of the Scriptures does not reveal its hidden treasure..." (source: link txt).

Thus, the critics imply that by practical knowledge one usually understands specific instructions and guidelines applicable to everyday life. However, in their opinion, sacred texts appeal to an inner, esoteric content that is not obvious upon a simple literal reading. Access to this content is possible only through a deep spiritual experience or a process of inner reflection, which goes beyond ordinary rational analysis and secular science.

This statement implies that these texts operate on different levels, addressing two types of knowledge – visible, external knowledge that can be considered practical, and invisible, spiritual knowledge that requires special inner revelation. Consequently, the critics emphasize that trying to extract direct instructions or universal practical recipes from sacred texts is an oversimplification and underestimation of their depth and multi-layered nature.