Creating the Canon: Composition, Controversy, and the Authority of the New Testament

Summary

Some questions about the New Testament canon are far from settled, either in the academy or the church—to say nothing of misconceptions and confusion. This is a crucial topic, given the importance of the canon's formation for our understanding of early Christianity and the nature of the Christian faith itself. In Creating the Canon, Benjamin P. Laird explores misunderstood, disputed, and overlooked matters tied to the composition, collection, and authority of the New Testament canon. His engaging study takes on questions such as:

● Was there a single “original autograph” of each New Testament book?

● Who exactly were the "original readers" or the "original audience" of the New Testament writings?

● Did theological controversies play a decisive role in prompting the canon's formation?

● How did such a diverse body of writings come together as a single canonical collection?

● Is there a basis for the canon's ongoing authority?

Wide-ranging yet accessible, Creating the Canon offers constructive insight on the composition, formation, and authority of the New Testament, while also serving as a helpful guide for those new to the study of canon.