Use of the term “canon” has long been subject to debate within the study of early Christianity, as scholars often discuss precisely when the Christian New Testament canon came into existence. Among modern scholars three primary perspectives have emerged as to the meaning of canon. This post outlines these schools of thought.
Tag Archives: Formal Canon
ECA: The Canon Debate
This post is part of the ongoing series examining Early Christian Authority. Use of the term “canon” has long been subject to debate among those studying the formation of the New Testament. The word itself comes from the Greek kanonikos, the basic meaning of which is “of one rule.” So a canon is something thatContinue reading “ECA: The Canon Debate”
Forming and Defining the New Testament Canon
Questions concerning the Bible have long surrounded the Christian Faith.[1] What is the Bible? Where did it come from? Who wrote the books that are in Bible? Can we trust that fallible human beings wrote and chose the correct books for canonization? Occasionally, scholars will doubt the historical veracity of Christian Bible based upon itsContinue reading “Forming and Defining the New Testament Canon”
NT Canon: Conclusions
This is the final post in our series outlining the formation of the New Testament canon. Here at the end of our two week examination of New Testament canon formation, what can we conclude? Remembering the distinction between a “formal canon” (an authoritative list of books) and a “practical canon” (a list of authoritative books),Continue reading “NT Canon: Conclusions”
NT Canon: Definition of “Canon”
This post is part of an ongoing series outlining the formation of the New Testament canon. Of primary importance in discussing the development of the New Testament canon is determining precisely what constitutes a “canon.” Historically, three primary schools of thought have emerged concerning the definition of the term the “canon.” Theodor Zahn argued that,Continue reading “NT Canon: Definition of “Canon””
Pursuing Veritas 