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This is an interesting discussion . I've been observing I'm surprised there haven't been many questions in regards to the creation of the Christian biblical canon . So I figure I will give some of that . Everything I'm getting ready to say is historically accurate and can actual be backed up by a extremely informative iTunes U course from Yale University.
Here's the link to that course :
https://itunes.apple.com/us/itunes-u/introduction-to-new-testament/id341652017?mt=10
*As a note of transparency I am not a Christian or a member of any religion I do believe in a higher power as there are some things I just can't explain in life through science or logic, and I'm comfortable admitting man may not have the answers to everything but some things we do know . I'm all for everyone cooking with what makes them happen as long as it isn't hurting others *
Anywho:
The Christian bible was formed 150-200 years after the death of Jesus Christ . The bible as we know it in modern day terms was actually the first real book . From the jump there were disagreements about what should be included . Scholars would argue the meaning of passages and the current system at the time involved using scrolls . They realized cutting the scrolls into smaller sheets and glueing them together ( thus creating the modern book ) made it simpler to access sections quickly. There has never been a fully agreed upon "interpretation" of the bible. This dates back before the first council of nicea.
From the time of the death of Christ to the first "bible " the stories were orally passed down . The four gospels that were chosen for the bible Matthew , luke , John and mark were chosen for a couple reasons . #1 the Christian leaders felt that these gospels best told the story. #2 these were the most popular amongst the followers . By most popular I mean , the agnostics would hold "church"in people's homes . Christians were being persecuted during these times , feed to lions in the collesseim , etc . They met in secret slowly building a following and strengthening their church. The four gospels were the four stories early Christian audiences enjoyed hearing the most . Also important to note is they these gospels clearly weren't written by the individuals they were named after . It is believed they received this names due to a common practice of the time . When a new religious document , letter , gospels etc was published it was commonly written by someone expressing their viewpoint . Since "Joe schmoo " or the common man would have a name that meant nothing to anyone and wouldn't gain much attention ,many authors used the disciples names as pseudonyms. Its a fact the gospels weren't written by mark , luke . John , Matthew , however who actually wrote them is unknown bc of this reason .
There are between 20-50 gospels that didn't make it into the current Christian bible . By now every one is familiar with the gospel of judas and some others I'm sure . These gospels are as authenticate as those included in the bible and if one reads up on the councils of nicea one finds that they weren't disregarded for being any less holy , some were seen as repetitive amongst other reasons . What's also interesting is the book of revelations causes so much contention amongst religious scholars . There seems to be a split in whether or not it's a forgery .
There is plenty more out there for those interested in the history . I personally find it fascinating . Whether you agree or disagree with it , Christianity impacts many peoples lives and it's a wonderful to learn a little more about it's history and formations . That may be a thread worth starting now that I think about it
Here's the link to that course :
https://itunes.apple.com/us/itunes-u/introduction-to-new-testament/id341652017?mt=10
*As a note of transparency I am not a Christian or a member of any religion I do believe in a higher power as there are some things I just can't explain in life through science or logic, and I'm comfortable admitting man may not have the answers to everything but some things we do know . I'm all for everyone cooking with what makes them happen as long as it isn't hurting others *
Anywho:
The Christian bible was formed 150-200 years after the death of Jesus Christ . The bible as we know it in modern day terms was actually the first real book . From the jump there were disagreements about what should be included . Scholars would argue the meaning of passages and the current system at the time involved using scrolls . They realized cutting the scrolls into smaller sheets and glueing them together ( thus creating the modern book ) made it simpler to access sections quickly. There has never been a fully agreed upon "interpretation" of the bible. This dates back before the first council of nicea.
From the time of the death of Christ to the first "bible " the stories were orally passed down . The four gospels that were chosen for the bible Matthew , luke , John and mark were chosen for a couple reasons . #1 the Christian leaders felt that these gospels best told the story. #2 these were the most popular amongst the followers . By most popular I mean , the agnostics would hold "church"in people's homes . Christians were being persecuted during these times , feed to lions in the collesseim , etc . They met in secret slowly building a following and strengthening their church. The four gospels were the four stories early Christian audiences enjoyed hearing the most . Also important to note is they these gospels clearly weren't written by the individuals they were named after . It is believed they received this names due to a common practice of the time . When a new religious document , letter , gospels etc was published it was commonly written by someone expressing their viewpoint . Since "Joe schmoo " or the common man would have a name that meant nothing to anyone and wouldn't gain much attention ,many authors used the disciples names as pseudonyms. Its a fact the gospels weren't written by mark , luke . John , Matthew , however who actually wrote them is unknown bc of this reason .
There are between 20-50 gospels that didn't make it into the current Christian bible . By now every one is familiar with the gospel of judas and some others I'm sure . These gospels are as authenticate as those included in the bible and if one reads up on the councils of nicea one finds that they weren't disregarded for being any less holy , some were seen as repetitive amongst other reasons . What's also interesting is the book of revelations causes so much contention amongst religious scholars . There seems to be a split in whether or not it's a forgery .
There is plenty more out there for those interested in the history . I personally find it fascinating . Whether you agree or disagree with it , Christianity impacts many peoples lives and it's a wonderful to learn a little more about it's history and formations . That may be a thread worth starting now that I think about it