6.1 Canon formation and biblical authority

The Bible's formation involved a complex process of selecting and authorizing texts. The Old Testament canon developed gradually over centuries, while the New Testament canon was more deliberately formed between the 2nd and 4th centuries CE.

Key criteria for canonicity included apostolic authorship, orthodoxy, and widespread acceptance. The concept of biblical authority emerged, establishing the Bible as the primary source for Christian doctrine and practice. This shaped interpretation methods and influenced various aspects of Christian life.

Canon Formation

Historical Process of Old Testament Canon

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• Term "canon" refers to official list of books recognized as authoritative Scripture by Christian church
• Old Testament canon formation occurred gradually over several centuries
  • Hebrew Bible largely settled by 2nd century BCE
  • Septuagint (Greek translation of Hebrew Bible) played significant role in early Christian church's acceptance
• New Testament canon formation more deliberate process between 2nd and 4th centuries CE
  • Muratorian Fragment (late 2nd century CE) earliest known list of authoritative New Testament books
  • Council of Carthage (397 CE) officially recognized 27 books for Western church
• Eastern Orthodox Church finalized canon at Synod of Jerusalem (1672)
  • Includes additional Old Testament books compared to Protestant canon

Key Milestones in Canon Formation

• Gradual acceptance of Hebrew scriptures by Jewish communities (500 BCE - 100 CE)
• Emergence of Christian writings and letters (50 CE - 150 CE)
• Marcion's heretical canon prompts orthodox response (140 CE)
• Irenaeus defends four Gospels (180 CE)
• Origen's writings influence canon discussions (3rd century CE)
• Constantine commissions Bible manuscripts (4th century CE)
• Jerome's Latin Vulgate translation (late 4th century CE)
• Regional councils affirm canon lists (4th-5th centuries CE)

Criteria for Canonicity

Apostolic and Doctrinal Considerations

• Apostolic authorship or association ensured direct connection to Jesus' teachings
  • Examples: Pauline epistles, Gospel of Matthew
• Orthodoxy maintained consistency with accepted Christian doctrine
  • Excluded texts: Gospel of Thomas, Gospel of Judas
• Catholicity required widespread acceptance across different Christian communities
  • Examples: Letters of Paul, Gospels
• Antiquity evaluated book's age and historical proximity to described events
  • Excluded later writings (2nd-3rd century pseudepigrapha)

Inspiration and Tradition

• Inspiration reflected belief in divine origin of text
  • Example: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 describes Scripture as "God-breathed"
• Old Testament books recognized within Jewish tradition and worship
  • Torah, Prophets, Writings (Tanakh)
• Canonization process involved formal church councils and informal consensus
  • Example: Council of Hippo (393 CE), Council of Carthage (397 CE)
• Use in liturgy and worship contributed to acceptance
  • Regular reading in church services (Gospels, Epistles)

Biblical Authority

Core Concepts of Biblical Authority

• Biblical authority establishes Bible as primary source for Christian doctrine and practice
• Doctrine of biblical inerrancy holds original manuscripts were without error
  • Supported by verses like Psalm 19:7, "The law of the Lord is perfect"
• Biblical infallibility asserts Bible incapable of error in faith and practice
  • Allows for potential discrepancies in scientific or historical details
• Principle of sola scriptura emphasizes Scripture alone as ultimate authority
  • Central to Protestant Reformation (16th century)

Implications and Interpretations

• Different Christian traditions interpret biblical authority variously
  • Catholic Church balances Scripture with Church tradition
  • Eastern Orthodox emphasizes role of Church councils
• Biblical authority influences interpretation methods
  • Literal interpretation (fundamentalist approaches)
  • Allegorical interpretation (early Church fathers)
  • Historical-critical method (modern scholarship)
• Concept shapes Christian ethics, worship practices, and social engagement
  • Examples: views on marriage, liturgical practices, social justice issues

Canonical vs Non-Canonical Books

Canonical Books Overview

• Protestant Old Testament canon consists of 39 books
• Catholic and Orthodox canons include additional Deuterocanonical/Apocryphal books
  • Examples: Tobit, Judith, 1 and 2 Maccabees
• New Testament canon consistent across most Christian traditions (27 books)
  • 4 Gospels, Acts, 13 Pauline epistles, 8 General epistles, Revelation

Non-Canonical Texts and Their Significance

• Non-canonical books include pseudepigrapha, apocrypha, and other early Christian writings
  • Pseudepigrapha: texts falsely attributed to biblical figures (Book of Enoch)
  • Apocrypha: works of unknown authorship or doubtful authenticity (Gospel of Peter)
• Examples of non-canonical texts widely read in early Christianity
  • Gospel of Thomas (collection of Jesus' sayings)
  • Shepherd of Hermas (apocalyptic work)
  • Epistle of Barnabas (early Christian treatise)
• Some non-canonical books considered canonical by certain traditions
  • Ethiopian Orthodox Church accepts Book of Enoch and Jubilees
• Study of non-canonical texts provides insights into early Christian thought
  • Reveals diversity of beliefs and practices in early church
  • Helps contextualize development of orthodox doctrine