maddog

In looking at the recommended reading, I couldn't recognize whether there was anything specifically directed to a history of just how and when, and by whom, the canonical books were chosen (and others rejected). Is there a good overview on this? The "Who Wrote the New Testament" does not exactly address this question; it seems nothing is settled until the 300's or so C.E., but I'm wondering what was happening in that first 300-400 years.

Peter Kirby

The standard reference on the subject is Bruce Metzger's The Canon of the New Testament. Be sure also to check NTCanon.org and Richard Carrier's essay.

best,
Peter Kirby

Doctor X

Fortress Press puts out some nice "Guides to Biblical Scholarship" and there are two on the formation of the Hebrew and NT canons:

Sanders JA. Canon and Community. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1984.

This is written from a believer's standpoint, but it does not diminish the useful information if you engage your Bullshit-o-Meter.

Gamble HY. The New Testament Canon. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1985.

--J.D.

Tristan Scott

When one considers that one of the main catalysts for the conferences that chose the canon was the split between Arius and Athenasius (sp), I think another good book would be Richard Rubenstein's When Jesus became God.

mike_decock

I thought this table gave a good overview of what books different groups were using throughout the history of Christianity.

-Mike...