The Genesis of the Christian Bible: How Were the Books Chosen?

The formation of the Christian Bible is a testament to the evolution of religious texts over centuries, with the selection of books being a fascinating journey through history and theology. This article delves into the processes and contexts in which certain books were chosen or excluded, starting from the early Church and evolving until the more formal decisions made in later centuries.

The Role of the Bishops in Early Christianity

The foundation of the Christian Bible lies in the actions of the bishops of the historic One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church, as outlined in the original Nicene Creed. While the Old Testament was chosen by the Jews in centuries before Christ, the selection of New Testament books was a more defined process involving the Catholic Church.

This process became official in AD 397, long before the rise of Protestants in the 1500s. The authority of the bishops was crucial in shaping the canon, as they had the final say on which texts would be considered part of the canon. However, the episcopal structure was not the only factor influencing the selection.

The King James Version and Its Influence

The translation of the Bible into English under the sponsorship of King James in 1604 was a significant event. The commission included 47 scholars tasked with translating the Old Testament from Hebrew and Aramaic, the New Testament from Greek, and the Apocrypha from Latin. King James' instructions to the committee were to reflect the episcopal structure of the Church of England, further cementing the influence of the bishops and ecclesiastical hierarchy on the Bible's content.

Eusebius, a prominent Christian historian from the 4th century, provided a list of books considered legitimate, which highlighted the ongoing debate and consensus among early Christian scholars.

The Role of Early Christian Authorities and Grassroots Selection

The council of Nicaea in 325 was a pivotal event in the early history of the Christian church. Emperor Constantine's conversion and his offer to inscribe copies of the Christian holy book necessitated a decision on what texts should be included. This decision was not made by a person or a committee but rather emerged from the collective wisdom and practices of the early church.

Several gospels and epistles were used by various early churches, with four becoming particularly popular. Some books were excluded due to their esoteric nature or controversial content that did not align with the theological beliefs of bishops and early Christian writers. The bishops could not ban these books outright, but their influence in shaping the preferences of rank-and-file Christians was significant.

The selection of the books was, in essence, a bottom-up process. The books that resonated most with the faithful and offered the most practical or spiritual aid made it into the canon, while those that were less popular or more challenging to understand were often left out. This organic process left a trail of discarded and contested books, with the inclusion and exclusion of texts reflecting the complexities and debates of early Christianity.

It is important to recognize that while some books were controversial, such as Revelation, there is no concrete evidence of any official decisions to exclude or ban them. The decision-making process was more about the collective choice of the Christian community, influenced by leadership but ultimately driven by the communal values and beliefs of the faithful.

The evolution of the Christian Bible from ancient times to the present is a striking example of how religious texts are shaped by the dynamics of belief, politics, and community. Understanding the origins of these texts provides valuable insights into the complex and ever-evolving nature of religious tradition and practice.