Question:
What planet are you on? There is only one Christian Bible. Crossbearer
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – When you say Christian Bible, which Bible are you making reference to Carlos Galatians 3:22 – But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
Response:
I don’t know what church you were in, but if they couldn’t answer simple questions like that, I’d say that they were unusual for their Biblical ignorance. They don’t even know that the account of the Flood is found in the book of Leviticus??? tsk, tsk tsk.
Eh? Is this irony or a mistake? Shalom, — Paul Weary Croydon, UK
Response:
Irony, of course..
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I don’t know what church you were in, but if they couldn’t answer simple questions like that, I’d say that they were unusual for their Biblical ignorance. They don’t even know that the account of the Flood is found in the book of Leviticus??? tsk, tsk tsk. Eh? Is this irony or a mistake? Shalom, — Paul Weary Croydon, UK
Response:
When you say Christian Bible, which Bible are you making reference to Carlos Galatians 3:22 – But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am crossposting my reply to the subject of this message to all the groups it came from because the question and its answer are so very important. It amazes me just how many Christians (and those who call themselves Christians) don’t have a clue how the Bible we have came together. I won’ t go into all the history–frankly, I don’t know all the history. I will give you several rules used to qualify each manuscript ("mms") that became a book of the Bible. And i will add here that we got many of these rules from the Jews. 1st, the book had to be proved 100 percent accurate in all its statements up until the end of the author’s life. 2nd, the book had to be by a known author, and the author had to authenticate the book(s) attributed to him. 3rd, each book had to refer to at least one other. 4th, each book had to teach a new concept that made it unique from all the other books. Admittedly, there are a couple of exceptions to these rules. For instance, we don’t know who the author of Hebrews was. But in general, the Jews followed all these rules, and we Christians did, too, in compiling the New Testament. So if anyone is wondering why the Apochrypha which the Roman Catholics use didn’t make it into the non-Roman Catholic cannon we born-again Christians use today, it’s because not only are the Apochrypha full of undocumented tales, we don’t know who wrote those books. John Weatherly
Where did you find this "system" to prove a book’s authenticity? Would you please cite your source? And where did you get your information concerning the Deuterocanonicals? This is opposite of reality, John. In XC, Bari Stepanovich IC XC –+– "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner." NI KA
Response:
Back when I was a Christian, I attended several churches, and I’ve known a lot of Christians (friends, family) – and I can tell you that probably 80 to 90% of them would fail a basic test on the Bible. I’ve asked a number of them simple questions, and they fail miserably – questions like where is the Book of Job: in the Old or New Testament? What book is the Flood story found in? Where does the Passover celebration come from? Who appears first in the biblical narrative – Abraham or Moses? These are *simple* questions, and yet your average self-described Christians doesn’t know the answers. Surely you’ve heard the saying that the Bible is the least-read best seller in history? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – May I ask what you base your opinion on that the "average person sitting in church is ignorant of the Bible"? Is it based on just the people you know personally in your church, or in the churches you may have attended, or is this just a general impression you have of Christians who you may have come in contact with who don’t know much about the Bible? Thanks. -Richard
Response:
To assert that the only two views of scripture that are possible are 1. Issac Asimov 2. Fundamental inerrancy is to set up a false dichotomy. There are more than just those two alternatives.
Did I say that??!? Where did I write such a thing? Of course there are as many ways to interpret the bible as there are human beings. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I’m not sure what you are basing your own opinions on. A Christian has the responsibility to seek out the best Bible teaching that they can find. Even Jesus grew in knowledge and understanding, and we Christians must do the same. If you are looking around a church and seeing a lot of Bible illiteracy, then it may be time to seek out a better education for yourself. I know plenty of people who know more than I, and I try to learn from them.
Response:
I don’t know what church you were in, but if they couldn’t answer simple questions like that, I’d say that they were unusual for their Biblical ignorance. They don’t even know that the account of the Flood is found in the book of Leviticus??? tsk, tsk tsk.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Back when I was a Christian, I attended several churches, and I’ve known a lot of Christians (friends, family) – and I can tell you that probably 80 to 90% of them would fail a basic test on the Bible. I’ve asked a number of them simple questions, and they fail miserably – questions like where is the Book of Job: in the Old or New Testament? What book is the Flood story found in? Where does the Passover celebration come from? Who appears first in the biblical narrative – Abraham or Moses? These are *simple* questions, and yet your average self-described Christians doesn’t know the answers. Surely you’ve heard the saying that the Bible is the least-read best seller in history? May I ask what you base your opinion on that the "average person sitting in church is ignorant of the Bible"? Is it based on just the people you know personally in your church, or in the churches you may have attended, or is this just a general impression you have of Christians who you may have come in contact with who don’t know much about the Bible? Thanks. -Richard
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Yes, I’ve read Asimov, I’ve also had formal study of the Bible. Asimov perpetuates many false and *now discredited* notions that were promoted in some theological schools during the 50’s and 60’s. He is certainly a popular writer and is NOT a recognized bible scholar. Since the books were written in the ’60s, that’s understandable; but I’ve found a lot more errors in books written by apologists and allegedly recognized scholars defending an inerrant bible. Most Christians aren’t as ignorant of the Bible as you might assume. Unfortunately, most of them are. You’d be amazed at how ignorant the average person sitting in church is.
Richard: May I ask what you base your opinion on that the "average person sitting in church is ignorant of the Bible"? Is it based on just the people you know personally in your church, or in the churches you may have attended, or is this just a general impression you have of Christians who you may have come in contact with who don’t know much about the Bible? Thanks. -Richard
Response:
To assert that the only two views of scripture that are possible are 1. Issac Asimov 2. Fundamental inerrancy is to set up a false dichotomy. There are more than just those two alternatives. I’m not sure what you are basing your own opinions on. A Christian has the responsibility to seek out the best Bible teaching that they can find. Even Jesus grew in knowledge and understanding, and we Christians must do the same. If you are looking around a church and seeing a lot of Bible illiteracy, then it may be time to seek out a better education for yourself. I know plenty of people who know more than I, and I try to learn from them.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Yes, I’ve read Asimov, I’ve also had formal study of the Bible. Asimov perpetuates many false and *now discredited* notions that were promoted in some theological schools during the 50’s and 60’s. He is certainly a popular writer and is NOT a recognized bible scholar. Since the books were written in the ’60s, that’s understandable; but I’ve found a lot more errors in books written by apologists and allegedly recognized scholars defending an inerrant bible. Most Christians aren’t as ignorant of the Bible as you might assume. Unfortunately, most of them are. You’d be amazed at how ignorant the average person sitting in church is. Have you actually read Asimov’s books on the Bible? I’m sure he knew the subject a lot better than 99% of Christians. The science fiction writer Isaac Asimov is a recognized Bible authority, too? I don’t really think so.
Response:
Well… there is that… 
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Yes, I’ve read Asimov, I’ve also had formal study of the Bible. Asimov perpetuates many false and *now discredited* notions that were promoted in some theological schools during the 50’s and 60’s. He is certainly a popular writer and is NOT a recognized bible scholar. Most Christians aren’t as ignorant of the Bible as you might assume. Must just be the ones on usenet 
— Alan Ferris eligo, ergo sum Atheist #1211 EAC(UK)#252 Ironic Torture Div. When the only colour is black – the only sound the broken bell THEN talk to me about why. Spike Milligan www.arcerland.com ICQ UIN: 12811297
Response:
I am crossposting my reply to the subject of this message to all the groups it came from because the question and its answer are so very important. It amazes me just how many Christians (and those who call themselves Christians) don’t have a clue how the Bible we have came together. I won’ t go into all the history–frankly, I don’t know all the history. I will give you several rules used to qualify each manuscript ("mms") that became a book of the Bible. And i will add here that we got many of these rules from the Jews. 1st, the book had to be proved 100 percent accurate in all its statements up until the end of the author’s life. 2nd, the book had to be by a known author, and the author had to authenticate the book(s) attributed to him. 3rd, each book had to refer to at least one other. 4th, each book had to teach a new concept that made it unique from all the other books. Admittedly, there are a couple of exceptions to these rules. For instance, we don’t know who the author of Hebrews was. But in general, the Jews followed all these rules, and we Christians did, too, in compiling the New Testament. So if anyone is wondering why the Apochrypha which the Roman Catholics use didn’t make it into the non-Roman Catholic cannon we born-again Christians use today, it’s because not only are the Apochrypha full of undocumented tales, we don’t know who wrote those books. John Weatherly – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – To assert that the only two views of scripture that are possible are 1. Issac Asimov 2. Fundamental inerrancy is to set up a false dichotomy. There are more than just those two alternatives. I’m not sure what you are basing your own opinions on. A Christian has the responsibility to seek out the best Bible teaching that they can find. Even Jesus grew in knowledge and understanding, and we Christians must do the same. If you are looking around a church and seeing a lot of Bible illiteracy, then it may be time to seek out a better education for yourself. I know plenty of people who know more than I, and I try to learn from them. Yes, I’ve read Asimov, I’ve also had formal study of the Bible. Asimov perpetuates many false and *now discredited* notions that were promoted in some theological schools during the 50’s and 60’s. He is certainly a popular writer and is NOT a recognized bible scholar. Since the books were written in the ’60s, that’s understandable; but I’ve found a lot more errors in books written by apologists and allegedly recognized scholars defending an inerrant bible. Most Christians aren’t as ignorant of the Bible as you might assume. Unfortunately, most of them are. You’d be amazed at how ignorant the average person sitting in church is. Have you actually read Asimov’s books on the Bible? I’m sure he knew the subject a lot better than 99% of Christians. The science fiction writer Isaac Asimov is a recognized Bible authority, too? I don’t really think so.
Response:
Yes, I’ve read Asimov, I’ve also had formal study of the Bible. Asimov perpetuates many false and *now discredited* notions that were promoted in some theological schools during the 50’s and 60’s. He is certainly a popular writer and is NOT a recognized bible scholar.
Since the books were written in the ’60s, that’s understandable; but I’ve found a lot more errors in books written by apologists and allegedly recognized scholars defending an inerrant bible. Most Christians aren’t as ignorant of the Bible as you might assume.
Unfortunately, most of them are. You’d be amazed at how ignorant the average person sitting in church is. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Have you actually read Asimov’s books on the Bible? I’m sure he knew the subject a lot better than 99% of Christians. The science fiction writer Isaac Asimov is a recognized Bible authority, too? I don’t really think so.
Response:
Yes, I’ve read Asimov, I’ve also had formal study of the Bible. Asimov perpetuates many false and *now discredited* notions that were promoted in some theological schools during the 50’s and 60’s. He is certainly a popular writer and is NOT a recognized bible scholar. Most Christians aren’t as ignorant of the Bible as you might assume.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Have you actually read Asimov’s books on the Bible? I’m sure he knew the subject a lot better than 99% of Christians. The science fiction writer Isaac Asimov is a recognized Bible authority, too? I don’t really think so.
Response:
Yes, I’ve read Asimov, I’ve also had formal study of the Bible. Asimov perpetuates many false and *now discredited* notions that were promoted in some theological schools during the 50’s and 60’s. He is certainly a popular writer and is NOT a recognized bible scholar. Most Christians aren’t as ignorant of the Bible as you might assume.
Must just be the ones on usenet — Alan Ferris eligo, ergo sum Atheist #1211 EAC(UK)#252 Ironic Torture Div. When the only colour is black – the only sound the broken bell THEN talk to me about why. Spike Milligan www.arcerland.com ICQ UIN: 12811297
Response:
Richard: Great reference material, Paul — thanks very much for the links! As an engineer, I really like spreadsheets too. Thanks again. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Richard: I am looking for the best reference books on the History of the Bible, and how all the sacred texts were selected for including in the official canon. Here is a selection of some with reviews from amazon.com. If anyone has any other favorites which they could recommend, I’d appreciate your comments. Thanks. Richard, Take a look at these two sites. http://shell5.ba.best.com/~gdavis/ntcanon/ Is an amazing site put together by a Bible Student which brings together in one place many elements necessary to the project of understanding canon formation. See particularly his chart http://shell5.ba.best.com/~gdavis/ntcanon/tablex.htm . For a fairly typical Evangelical position paper on canon formation see http://www.bible.org/docs/theology/biblio/canon.htm The important thing about the Evangelical position is that they try hard. Most of the other positions on canon formation do not properly square-off with the enormous claims made by Christ, the Apostles and the Church Fathers for the authority of the "Scriptures." The basic problem with the Evangelical position is that while I think they get very close to the truth, their final conclusions lack imagination, conviction and credibility. Another good thing about the (scholarly) Evangelical position is that they are harder on +themselves+ than their critics and they are certainly tougher on themselves than the other positions. I always look at this first. Is the author sensitive to the weaknesses of his own position? Does he admit that they are there? And does he give a strategy for exploring them? r, paul
Response:
Have you actually read Asimov’s books on the Bible? I’m sure he knew the subject a lot better than 99% of Christians. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The science fiction writer Isaac Asimov is a recognized Bible authority, too? I don’t really think so.
Response:
Have you actually read Asimov’s books on the Bible? I’m sure he knew the subject a lot better than 99% of Christians.
How did Mr. Asimov get around 1 Cor 2:14 ? Exception? Mr. Asimov couldn’t even carry John Owen’s Bible, and why was Jonathan Edwards considered the united State’s greatest philosopher? Read their collection (or even try to physically lift it) then come back to us and tells us how great your pagan author is writing about something he doesn’t even believe in. AWG <O<
Response:
Richard: I am looking for the best reference books on the History of the Bible, and how all the sacred texts were selected for including in the official canon. Here is a selection of some with reviews from amazon.com. If anyone has any other favorites which they could recommend, I’d appreciate your comments. Thanks.
Richard, Take a look at these two sites. http://shell5.ba.best.com/~gdavis/ntcanon/ Is an amazing site put together by a Bible Student which brings together in one place many elements necessary to the project of understanding canon formation. See particularly his chart http://shell5.ba.best.com/~gdavis/ntcanon/tablex.htm . For a fairly typical Evangelical position paper on canon formation see http://www.bible.org/docs/theology/biblio/canon.htm The important thing about the Evangelical position is that they try hard. Most of the other positions on canon formation do not properly square-off with the enormous claims made by Christ, the Apostles and the Church Fathers for the authority of the "Scriptures." The basic problem with the Evangelical position is that while I think they get very close to the truth, their final conclusions lack imagination, conviction and credibility. Another good thing about the (scholarly) Evangelical position is that they are harder on +themselves+ than their critics and they are certainly tougher on themselves than the other positions. I always look at this first. Is the author sensitive to the weaknesses of his own position? Does he admit that they are there? And does he give a strategy for exploring them? r, paul
Response:
The science fiction writer Isaac Asimov is a recognized Bible authority, too? I don’t really think so.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – An excellent subject everybody should know more about: WHO WROTE THE BIBLE? by Richard Elliott Friedman (1987) ASIMOV’S GUIDE TO THE BIBLE by Isaac Asimov (1967, 1968) THE UNAUTHORIZED VERSION: TRUTH & FICTION IN THE BIBLE by Robin Lane Fox (1991) Richard: I am looking for the best reference books on the History of the Bible, and how all the sacred texts were selected for including in the official canon. Here is a selection of some with reviews from amazon.com. If anyone has any other favorites which they could recommend, I’d appreciate your comments. Thanks. 1. The Bible, the Church, and Authority : The Canon of the Christian Bible in History and Theology by Joseph T. Lienhard, List Price: $9.95 5-stars, Excellent Tool for understanding to creation of Canon, September 3, 1999 Reviewer: A reader from Kansas City, MO This wonderfully written book is not a history of the formation of the canon nor is it a justification for the Catholic or Protestant Canon. The author doesn’t try to justify any one position. This book deals with many difficult questions, but at the same time, he answers in a manner that allows you to come to your own conclusions. For example, Why are there two version of the Old Testament? Is the Canon infallible? What does and did Gods inspiration mean? Why can so many people read the Bible and come up with so many different doctrines? These questions are tackled in the manner that provides a tool rather than a simplistic answer. It was the "Rule if Faith." The author explains the role that the "Rule of Faith" played in the development of the Canon and its interpretation. I great book, easy to read, well written. 2. The Origins of the Bible : Rethinking Canon History (Theological Inquiries) by John W. Miller, List Price: $18.95 5-stars, Great for understanding the background to the Hebrew canon, March 14, 1998 Reviewer: A reader from Sierra Vista, AZ 95635 The author clearly defines how he perceives the Hebrew Bible came into being through the rivalries of the different priestly groups each pushing their own agenda. It is easy reading and very interesting. His writing also lets you know what factions Christ was up against as He began His mission. A must read for Jew or Christian. 3. A Short History of the Bible Being a Popular Account of the Formation and Development of the Canon – 1881 by Bronson C. Keeler, List Price: $16.95 Editorial Reviews Book Description Contents: Introductory; The Hebrew Canon; the New Testament and Early Controversies; The Books at First not Considered Inspired; Were the Fathers Competent; The Fathers Quoted as Scripture Books Which are now Called Apocryphal; The Heretics; The Christian Canon. 4. A History of the Synoptic Problem : The Canon, the Text, the Composition, and the Interpretation of the Gospels (The Anchor Bible Reference Library) by David Laird Dungan, List Price: $39.95 5-stars, Very provocative and liberating!, February 23, 2000 Reviewer: bastowe (see more about me) from USA The idea of a book on the Synoptic Gospels used to intimidate and, honestly, bore me a bit. This book, however, was not only the most interesting book I’ve read on the subject, but also one of the best I’ve read in a long time! Dungan writes very very well and is often funny, believe it or not. But what I appreciated most about this book was how it made me look at the New Testament in an entirely new light. The kinds of questions Dungan brought to the subject were the sorts of questions I thought you weren’t really supposed to ask (questions about ulterior motive in Bible scholarship). A very brave and impressive book! 5. Redemptive History and the New Testament Scriptures (Biblical and Theological Studies) by Herman N. Ridderbos, Richard B., Jr Gaffin, H. De Jongste (Translator), Richard B. Graffin (Translator), List Price: $6.99 5-stars, Essential Protestant Teaching, October 25, 1998 This thin and razor sharp piece of scholarship is essential to the understanding and defense of true protestant religion. Too many so-called protestants don’t know the first thing about "Sola Scriptura." And among the slightly aware, canonicity is a much neglected topic. Get a life and read this book today. —- If anyone has any other recommendations, web links or other comments, please post them here. Thanks. -Richard
Response:
An excellent subject everybody should know more about: WHO WROTE THE BIBLE? by Richard Elliott Friedman (1987) ASIMOV’S GUIDE TO THE BIBLE by Isaac Asimov (1967, 1968) THE UNAUTHORIZED VERSION: TRUTH & FICTION IN THE BIBLE by Robin Lane Fox (1991) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Richard: I am looking for the best reference books on the History of the Bible, and how all the sacred texts were selected for including in the official canon. Here is a selection of some with reviews from amazon.com. If anyone has any other favorites which they could recommend, I’d appreciate your comments. Thanks. 1. The Bible, the Church, and Authority : The Canon of the Christian Bible in History and Theology by Joseph T. Lienhard, List Price: $9.95 5-stars, Excellent Tool for understanding to creation of Canon, September 3, 1999 Reviewer: A reader from Kansas City, MO This wonderfully written book is not a history of the formation of the canon nor is it a justification for the Catholic or Protestant Canon. The author doesn’t try to justify any one position. This book deals with many difficult questions, but at the same time, he answers in a manner that allows you to come to your own conclusions. For example, Why are there two version of the Old Testament? Is the Canon infallible? What does and did Gods inspiration mean? Why can so many people read the Bible and come up with so many different doctrines? These questions are tackled in the manner that provides a tool rather than a simplistic answer. It was the "Rule if Faith." The author explains the role that the "Rule of Faith" played in the development of the Canon and its interpretation. I great book, easy to read, well written. 2. The Origins of the Bible : Rethinking Canon History (Theological Inquiries) by John W. Miller, List Price: $18.95 5-stars, Great for understanding the background to the Hebrew canon, March 14, 1998 Reviewer: A reader from Sierra Vista, AZ 95635 The author clearly defines how he perceives the Hebrew Bible came into being through the rivalries of the different priestly groups each pushing their own agenda. It is easy reading and very interesting. His writing also lets you know what factions Christ was up against as He began His mission. A must read for Jew or Christian. 3. A Short History of the Bible Being a Popular Account of the Formation and Development of the Canon – 1881 by Bronson C. Keeler, List Price: $16.95 Editorial Reviews Book Description Contents: Introductory; The Hebrew Canon; the New Testament and Early Controversies; The Books at First not Considered Inspired; Were the Fathers Competent; The Fathers Quoted as Scripture Books Which are now Called Apocryphal; The Heretics; The Christian Canon. 4. A History of the Synoptic Problem : The Canon, the Text, the Composition, and the Interpretation of the Gospels (The Anchor Bible Reference Library) by David Laird Dungan, List Price: $39.95 5-stars, Very provocative and liberating!, February 23, 2000 Reviewer: bastowe (see more about me) from USA The idea of a book on the Synoptic Gospels used to intimidate and, honestly, bore me a bit. This book, however, was not only the most interesting book I’ve read on the subject, but also one of the best I’ve read in a long time! Dungan writes very very well and is often funny, believe it or not. But what I appreciated most about this book was how it made me look at the New Testament in an entirely new light. The kinds of questions Dungan brought to the subject were the sorts of questions I thought you weren’t really supposed to ask (questions about ulterior motive in Bible scholarship). A very brave and impressive book! 5. Redemptive History and the New Testament Scriptures (Biblical and Theological Studies) by Herman N. Ridderbos, Richard B., Jr Gaffin, H. De Jongste (Translator), Richard B. Graffin (Translator), List Price: $6.99 5-stars, Essential Protestant Teaching, October 25, 1998 This thin and razor sharp piece of scholarship is essential to the understanding and defense of true protestant religion. Too many so-called protestants don’t know the first thing about "Sola Scriptura." And among the slightly aware, canonicity is a much neglected topic. Get a life and read this book today. —- If anyone has any other recommendations, web links or other comments, please post them here. Thanks. -Richard
Response:
I recommend about anything published by Doubleday Press
as being reliable. Also Intervarsity has some good stuff. You can probably contact them for a catalogue of their religious publications. Richard: Thanks for the recommendation, Paul. Here is a copy of Dave’s comments in another thread which includes some recommendations as well: Dave: Oh, there are dozens and dozens of good books on the Bible. Just look through Amazon.com for what’s available, and read the reviews. I’d steer clear of any sort of polemical apologetic, though, unless that’s what you’re looking for. The book I’ve most recently read on this topic is an oldie, but a goodie …Ira Maurice Price’s The Ancestry of Our English Bible. Any good commentary should also have several chapters devoted to the various canons of the Bible … I often use the New Jerome commentary, and an older copy of the (Methodist) Interpreter’s One Volume Commentary." [source: "Re: OT Aprocrypha (or deuterocanonical writings)", posted by HospRow, 10:18 AM, 6/25/01] [snip]
Response:
I use the Interpreter’s One-Volume Commentary extensively. (Abingdon Press), There is also an Interpreter’s 12 (or so) volume set of commentary. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I recommend about anything published by Doubleday Press as being reliable. Also Intervarsity has some good stuff. You can probably contact them for a catalogue of their religious publications. Richard: Thanks for the recommendation, Paul. Here is a copy of Dave’s comments in another thread which includes some recommendations as well: Dave: Oh, there are dozens and dozens of good books on the Bible. Just look through Amazon.com for what’s available, and read the reviews. I’d steer clear of any sort of polemical apologetic, though, unless that’s what you’re looking for. The book I’ve most recently read on this topic is an oldie, but a goodie …Ira Maurice Price’s The Ancestry of Our English Bible. Any good commentary should also have several chapters devoted to the various canons of the Bible … I often use the New Jerome commentary, and an older copy of the (Methodist) Interpreter’s One Volume Commentary." [source: "Re: OT Aprocrypha (or deuterocanonical writings)", posted by HospRow, 10:18 AM, 6/25/01] [snip]
Response:
I recommend about anything published by Doubleday Press as being reliable. Also Intervarsity has some good stuff. You can probably contact them for a catalogue of their religious publications.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Richard: I am looking for the best reference books on the History of the Bible, and how all the sacred texts were selected for including in the official canon. Here is a selection of some with reviews from amazon.com. If anyone has any other favorites which they could recommend, I’d appreciate your comments. Thanks. 1. The Bible, the Church, and Authority : The Canon of the Christian Bible in History and Theology by Joseph T. Lienhard, List Price: $9.95 5-stars, Excellent Tool for understanding to creation of Canon, September 3, 1999 Reviewer: A reader from Kansas City, MO This wonderfully written book is not a history of the formation of the canon nor is it a justification for the Catholic or Protestant Canon. The author doesn’t try to justify any one position. This book deals with many difficult questions, but at the same time, he answers in a manner that allows you to come to your own conclusions. For example, Why are there two version of the Old Testament? Is the Canon infallible? What does and did Gods inspiration mean? Why can so many people read the Bible and come up with so many different doctrines? These questions are tackled in the manner that provides a tool rather than a simplistic answer. It was the "Rule if Faith." The author explains the role that the "Rule of Faith" played in the development of the Canon and its interpretation. I great book, easy to read, well written. 2. The Origins of the Bible : Rethinking Canon History (Theological Inquiries) by John W. Miller, List Price: $18.95 5-stars, Great for understanding the background to the Hebrew canon, March 14, 1998 Reviewer: A reader from Sierra Vista, AZ 95635 The author clearly defines how he perceives the Hebrew Bible came into being through the rivalries of the different priestly groups each pushing their own agenda. It is easy reading and very interesting. His writing also lets you know what factions Christ was up against as He began His mission. A must read for Jew or Christian. 3. A Short History of the Bible Being a Popular Account of the Formation and Development of the Canon – 1881 by Bronson C. Keeler, List Price: $16.95 Editorial Reviews Book Description Contents: Introductory; The Hebrew Canon; the New Testament and Early Controversies; The Books at First not Considered Inspired; Were the Fathers Competent; The Fathers Quoted as Scripture Books Which are now Called Apocryphal; The Heretics; The Christian Canon. 4. A History of the Synoptic Problem : The Canon, the Text, the Composition, and the Interpretation of the Gospels (The Anchor Bible Reference Library) by David Laird Dungan, List Price: $39.95 5-stars, Very provocative and liberating!, February 23, 2000 Reviewer: bastowe (see more about me) from USA The idea of a book on the Synoptic Gospels used to intimidate and, honestly, bore me a bit. This book, however, was not only the most interesting book I’ve read on the subject, but also one of the best I’ve read in a long time! Dungan writes very very well and is often funny, believe it or not. But what I appreciated most about this book was how it made me look at the New Testament in an entirely new light. The kinds of questions Dungan brought to the subject were the sorts of questions I thought you weren’t really supposed to ask (questions about ulterior motive in Bible scholarship). A very brave and impressive book! 5. Redemptive History and the New Testament Scriptures (Biblical and Theological Studies) by Herman N. Ridderbos, Richard B., Jr Gaffin, H. De Jongste (Translator), Richard B. Graffin (Translator), List Price: $6.99 5-stars, Essential Protestant Teaching, October 25, 1998 This thin and razor sharp piece of scholarship is essential to the understanding and defense of true protestant religion. Too many so-called protestants don’t know the first thing about "Sola Scriptura." And among the slightly aware, canonicity is a much neglected topic. Get a life and read this book today. —- If anyone has any other recommendations, web links or other comments, please post them here. Thanks. -Richard
Response:
Richard: I am looking for the best reference books on the History of the Bible, and how all the sacred texts were selected for including in the official canon. Here is a selection of some with reviews from amazon.com. If anyone has any other favorites which they could recommend, I’d appreciate your comments. Thanks. 1. The Bible, the Church, and Authority : The Canon of the Christian Bible in History and Theology by Joseph T. Lienhard, List Price: $9.95 5-stars, Excellent Tool for understanding to creation of Canon, September 3, 1999 Reviewer: A reader from Kansas City, MO This wonderfully written book is not a history of the formation of the canon nor is it a justification for the Catholic or Protestant Canon. The author doesn’t try to justify any one position. This book deals with many difficult questions, but at the same time, he answers in a manner that allows you to come to your own conclusions. For example, Why are there two version of the Old Testament? Is the Canon infallible? What does and did Gods inspiration mean? Why can so many people read the Bible and come up with so many different doctrines? These questions are tackled in the manner that provides a tool rather than a simplistic answer. It was the "Rule if Faith." The author explains the role that the "Rule of Faith" played in the development of the Canon and its interpretation. I great book, easy to read, well written. 2. The Origins of the Bible : Rethinking Canon History (Theological Inquiries) by John W. Miller, List Price: $18.95 5-stars, Great for understanding the background to the Hebrew canon, March 14, 1998 Reviewer: A reader from Sierra Vista, AZ 95635 The author clearly defines how he perceives the Hebrew Bible came into being through the rivalries of the different priestly groups each pushing their own agenda. It is easy reading and very interesting. His writing also lets you know what factions Christ was up against as He began His mission. A must read for Jew or Christian. 3. A Short History of the Bible Being a Popular Account of the Formation and Development of the Canon – 1881 by Bronson C. Keeler, List Price: $16.95 Editorial Reviews Book Description Contents: Introductory; The Hebrew Canon; the New Testament and Early Controversies; The Books at First not Considered Inspired; Were the Fathers Competent; The Fathers Quoted as Scripture Books Which are now Called Apocryphal; The Heretics; The Christian Canon. 4. A History of the Synoptic Problem : The Canon, the Text, the Composition, and the Interpretation of the Gospels (The Anchor Bible Reference Library) by David Laird Dungan, List Price: $39.95 5-stars, Very provocative and liberating!, February 23, 2000 Reviewer: bastowe (see more about me) from USA The idea of a book on the Synoptic Gospels used to intimidate and, honestly, bore me a bit. This book, however, was not only the most interesting book I’ve read on the subject, but also one of the best I’ve read in a long time! Dungan writes very very well and is often funny, believe it or not. But what I appreciated most about this book was how it made me look at the New Testament in an entirely new light. The kinds of questions Dungan brought to the subject were the sorts of questions I thought you weren’t really supposed to ask (questions about ulterior motive in Bible scholarship). A very brave and impressive book! 5. Redemptive History and the New Testament Scriptures (Biblical and Theological Studies) by Herman N. Ridderbos, Richard B., Jr Gaffin, H. De Jongste (Translator), Richard B. Graffin (Translator), List Price: $6.99 5-stars, Essential Protestant Teaching, October 25, 1998 This thin and razor sharp piece of scholarship is essential to the understanding and defense of true protestant religion. Too many so-called protestants don’t know the first thing about "Sola Scriptura." And among the slightly aware, canonicity is a much neglected topic. Get a life and read this book today. —- If anyone has any other recommendations, web links or other comments, please post them here. Thanks. -Richard
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