The Process Behind the Inclusion of Biblical Books: An Explainer
When one delves into the history of the Bible, it is remarkable how much information is available about the authors and the process of inclusion.
How Were Biblical Books Formed? A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding the formation and inclusion of Biblical books can be instructive. All 40 books of the Bible are known by name, family history, place of birth, or other related details. With just a little exploration, these facts are readily accessible.
Why Not Knowing the Author's Name Matters
Many Christians and readers of the Bible do not need to know the author's name if the message resonates with them. This is because the authenticity of the message often surpasses the importance of the author's identity. Leaders of the early Christian church promoted messages that aligned with their beliefs, and thus, books that supported these views were included in the canon.
A Historical Overview
In the year 325 CE, during the Council of Nicaea, a group of men convened to determine which texts would remain part of the canonical Bible. This decision was pivotal, as various gospels were read, reviewed, and ultimately selected or discarded based on the message they promoted and the historical context they represented.
Only four gospels made it into the final compilation, which form the New Testament. The authors of these gospels are not simply misinformed fishermen who couldn't read or write. According to tradition, they were either written by disciples of Jesus or under the authority of apostles, and the stories were passed orally for about 40 to 70 years after Christ's crucifixion.
The Creation of the Bible Canon
Books in the Bible were not compiled by a single author but through a collective effort by deeply spiritual leaders. By around 430 AD, these leaders conducted a thorough review of each book's content. The books were selected based on their core teachings and spiritual value rather than the identity of the author. This explains why there are 39 books in the Old Testament and 27 books in the New Testament, with 14 additional Apocryphal books not included in the official canon.
The Role of Traditions and Manuscripts
In ancient times, it was not uncommon for authors to opt against including their names on their works, a practice that is more prevalent today. This does not mean these authors were unknown. In the case of the Bible, manuscripts were often attributed to prophets or apostles, with traditions serving as the primary means to establish the authorship or inspiration behind a particular book.
Challenges and Controversies
The history of the Bible is rife with challenges. For example, women's manuscripts were often discarded because they did not align with the established male-dominated narrative. Original manuscripts are no longer available, as copies have been passed down through generations. While the authenticity of the surviving texts is debated, the consensus is that the books in the modern Bible are copies of copies, demonstrating the evolution and preservation of the Christian narrative.
Conclusion
The inclusion of Biblical books into the canon was a gradual and deliberate process. While the identity of the authors is well-documented, the focus was on the message and its alignment with the spiritual teachings of the time. Understanding the historical context helps to appreciate the rich tapestry of the Bible and the efforts made by early religious leaders to establish its canon.