Exploration of the new world was encouraged by

the hebrew bible is the sacred text of judaism;

the koran is that of islam.

among eastern religions, the sacred scriptures of hinduis are the four vedas and the upanishads, among others.

a main characteristic in these books is that un most of them we find certain "norms" of behavior, as is the case of the bible that has it's commandments. these rules are to regulate the behavior of believers and faithful of their respective faith.

these rules tell us what is right and what is not.