Final answer:
The term for the authoritative Scriptures used as a standard for other teachings is the Bible. This term comes from the Greek for 'measuring rod'. The Bible in Christianity, the Qur'an in Islam, and the Torah in Judaism are foundational texts for their respective religions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The commonly recognized collection of books that make up the authoritative Scriptures, representing the standard by which other teachings are evaluated, is known as the Bible. This term, derived from the Greek language, refers to a 'measuring rod' and hence signifies a standard of evaluation. Within the different faiths, the sacred scriptures include the Torah for Judaism, the Bible for Christianity, and the Qur'an for Islam. These texts serve as the foundation of their respective religions.
The Torah is the most holy text of Judaism and constitutes the first five books of the Bible. It is often preserved in scroll form and is central to Jewish religious practice and identity. Christian denominations may vary in their sacred texts; for example, the Catholic Bible includes the Apocrypha, while the Protestant versions do not. The Qur'an is the sacred text of Islam and consists of revelations in Arabic believed to be given by God to the Prophet Muhammad.
Many stories found within the Jewish sacred text are also shared by Christianity and Islam, showcasing the interconnectedness of these Abrahamic faiths. The process of defining what should be considered the canonical texts within each tradition was a significant historical undertaking for these religions, illustrating the importance of establishing an authoritative set of scriptures to guide the beliefs and practices of their communities.