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Debunking Myths About the New Testament Canon

This article by James Patrick Holding from Tekton Apologetics Ministries addresses common misconceptions about the New Testament canon. It refutes two major falsehoods: that the canon was randomly assembled by various figures, including Constantine, and that its contents are corrupt or misrepresented. It details the process of canonization, the significance of apostolic authority, and the criteria used to determine the inclusion or exclusion of books. Additionally, it discusses the historical context, key figures like Marcion, and the integrity of the texts recognized today.

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Debunking Myths About the New Testament Canon

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  1. The Canon Under Fire Two Falsehoods About the NT Canon James Patrick Holding Tekton Apologetics Ministries http://www.tektonics.org “Skeptics silenced…. rogues refuted.”

  2. Falsehood #1 “It was thrown together by (take your pick)…” • Random chance • The emperor Constantine • The Council of Nicaea • Aliens from outer space (OK, I made that one up…)

  3. What is a Canon? • A canon is a religion’s or organization’s collection of normative, sacred or important books • Canons are defined by authority (truth) and relevance

  4. Factors in Canonization • Apostolic authority • Usage in the churches • The “rule of faith”

  5. Process of Canonization • Precedent for a canon • The words of Jesus start the “canon ball” rolling • Heretics raised the need for a “canon wall”

  6. Marcion: The Arch-Canonizer • Distanced the God of the NT from that of the OT • Created his own “canon” • Accelerated the canonical process

  7. The Canonization Continues • Gospels and Paul’s letters as “mini-canons” • The making of lists • Candidates considered and discarded

  8. Constantine: The “Evil Emperor”?

  9. Falsehood #2 “The contents are corrupted.” • “Books were included that should not have been.” • “Books were excluded that should not have been.”

  10. The Facts About The “Fringe” • 20 of the 27 books were never questioned • 7 books were examined, then let in: 2 Peter Jude James Hebrews 2, 3 John Revelation

  11. Open the Door and Let Us In? • Shepherd of Hermas • Epistle of Barnabas • 1 Clement • Gospel of the Egyptians

  12. If They Think They Can Do Better…There’s Always This:

  13. Further Reading http://www.tektonics.org/lp/ntcanon.html http://www.tektonics.org/lp/otcanon.html http://www.tektonics.org/qt/thomasgospel.html http://www.tektonics.org/garagesale.html

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