How We Got the New Testament

On August 28, 397, the Third Council of Carthage issued a canon of the Holy Scripture which for the first time included all the 27 Gospels, letters, and works of the Bible which now comprise our New Testament.  This seven-week course introduces the historical process by which the church authored, copied, translated, and chose those 27 specific literary works to guide its worship and practice. Thus, students will learn how the living Word of God functioned during the first three centuries of the church when the church did not have a standardized New Testament. In this way, the class will reflect on the church’s most foundational sources and norms and how the Spirit leads the church in processes of collective discernment.  Students will learn how the books of the New Testament were authored, reflecting on the different concepts of authority, inspiration, and canonization.  Students will learn about the copying or transmission process, developing confidence in the text of the New Testament as they learn what a critical edition of the New Testament is. Students will learn about the history of English translation and how best to choose a translation that best suits their needs.