Biblical canon

Definition

The biblical canon refers to the collection of books and letters that are recognized as authoritative scripture within Christianity. This selection includes both the Old Testament and the New Testament, forming the foundation of Christian beliefs, teachings, and practices. The process of determining the canon involved debates and councils, ensuring that only texts deemed divinely inspired were included, which has significant implications for the faith and its interpretations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The biblical canon was established over several centuries, with key events including councils that debated which texts were divinely inspired.
2. Different Christian denominations may have variations in their biblical canon, particularly regarding the inclusion of certain books in the Old Testament.
3. The term 'canon' comes from a Greek word meaning 'measuring rod,' symbolizing the standards used to determine which texts were included.
4. The New Testament canon was largely settled by the 4th century, with major contributions from figures like Athanasius and Augustine.
5. Understanding the biblical canon is essential for interpreting Christian doctrine, ethics, and the historical context of early Christianity.

Review Questions

• How did early church councils contribute to the formation of the biblical canon?
  • Early church councils played a crucial role in forming the biblical canon by gathering church leaders to discuss and decide which texts should be considered authoritative. These councils evaluated various factors such as apostolic authorship, widespread use in worship, and consistency with core Christian teachings. The decisions made during these councils helped establish a unified understanding of scripture within Christianity.
• Discuss the significance of variations in the biblical canon among different Christian traditions.
  • Variations in the biblical canon among different Christian traditions highlight theological differences and historical developments within Christianity. For example, Protestant Bibles typically do not include the Apocrypha, while Catholic Bibles do. These differences can affect how scripture is interpreted and understood, influencing doctrinal beliefs, liturgical practices, and even moral teachings within those traditions.
• Evaluate the implications of having a defined biblical canon on contemporary Christian practices and beliefs.
  • Having a defined biblical canon significantly impacts contemporary Christian practices and beliefs by providing a standard for what is considered sacred scripture. This standard influences sermons, liturgies, and personal study, shaping how Christians understand their faith and moral responsibilities. Additionally, it fosters a sense of community among believers who adhere to the same scriptures, while also raising questions about interpretation and authority that continue to be discussed in modern theological debates.

Related terms

Apocrypha:

A set of texts not included in the biblical canon, often considered valuable for historical or religious context but not viewed as scripture by all Christian traditions.

Septuagint:

An ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures that was widely used in early Christianity and includes books not found in the Hebrew Bible.

Council of Carthage:

An early Christian council held in 397 AD that affirmed the canon of scripture for the New Testament as recognized by many Christian denominations today.