Despite scrutiny from skeptics, Christians can be confident in the process that selected the books that are found in the Bible.
Talking Points:
- Questions about the canon should be addressed case-by-case. The Bible contains many documents assembled over a long time. An objection against one isn’t an objection against all.
- Copying errors are real but not a real big deal. Most copying errors are minor. More importantly, we know where they are and our doctrine doesn’t stand or fall on them.
- We don’t know Hebrews’ author, but we can still trust it. Hebrews is not only an old document, but it is clearly written by someone who had some authority in the early church and who knew the apostles and eyewitnesses of Jesus.
- The Catholic Church has a different view from Protestant churches. For Protestants, the Bible alone is our authority for faith and practice. For Catholicism, the Bible, church tradition, and the Pope are the sources of authority. Proverbs 30:5
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Have you ever wondered about the books of the Bible and how the books were chosen? Explain.
- Why is it important to address questions or concerns about the biblical canon on a case-by-case basis?
- Do you agree that though copying errors are real, they’re “not a real big deal”? Explain why or why not.
- Read Proverbs 30:5 and 2 Timothy 3:16-17. How do these verses apply to your view of the biblical canon?
- On what basis can we trust that the Bible contains the words of God?
- Why do you think the Catholic Church has different views about authority than other churches? If you don’t know, how could you find out?
- What is one issue related to this topic you would like to study further? Why?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
