The New Testament

A Historical and Theological Introduction

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43. The Formation of the Canon

Questions for Research and Discussion

  1. “The formation of the canon was a process that proceeded over several centuries and was the result of decisions made by fallible human beings based on the best evidence available to them.” How does this correspond to popular notions about the canonization of the Bible?
  2. It is sometimes argued that the formation of the canon was a response to heresy. Defend this assertion.
  3. Discuss the difficulties that the Catholic Epistles had in the canonization process in some detail.
  4. Outline the history of the canonical lists or virtual lists.
  5. Discuss in some detail the so-called criteria for canonicity.