And what did the early Christians do without bibles to carry around and verses to refer to?
2007-09-06 10:48:34 · 18 answers · asked by Knight of Malta 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Yes, I know it was inspired by God but who decided which books and letters would be included and which would be excluded? Who had that authority?
2007-09-06 11:00:15 · update #1
The Catholic Church. Shocked? Read on, fellow Christians, for a history lesson not taught at your local bible Church.
How do we know that the books in our bibles belong there? There were many disagreements among the early Christians as to what should be included and what books should be thrown out. Who decided? The Church. How? She was guided by the Holy Spirit.
The only reason you and I have the New Testament canon is because of the trustworthy teaching authority of the Catholic Church. As Saint Augustine put it, "I would not believe in the Gospels were it not for the authority of the Catholic Church" (Against the Letter of Mani Called "The Foundation" 5:6).
EVERY Christian accepting the authority of the Bible does so, whether or not he admits it, because he has implicit trust that the Catholic Church made the right decision in determining the canon.
If you accept the authority of the Church to assemble the Canon of Scripture, then why do you not accept her authority throughout the ages?
2007-09-06 10:53:21 · answer #1 · answered by Veritas 7 · 4⤊ 6⤋
There were many religious books and papers around. Many disagreed with each other. Some gospels said things the Church was not happy with, some said things the Church disagreed with. In 393 the Church, under the authority of the Pope, decided what books should be in and which should be out. The Bible we have today was defined by the Catholic Church some 1600 years ago.
I know that many Protestants think the Catholics are the spawn of Satan but you have to thank them for your Bible. You wouldn't have one without the Pope.
2007-09-06 18:01:36 · answer #2 · answered by tentofield 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
We got the Bible from the God-breathed writings of the fathers of faith, dating back to Moses.
Early Christians had the Jewish texts, which prophesied the coming of Jesus, as well as the writings of the authors of many of the New Testament books currently found in the Bible. Book titles and verses numbering were added later.
2007-09-06 17:55:32 · answer #3 · answered by †Lawrence R† 6 · 0⤊ 4⤋
The Bible was cobbled together from the disparate folk stories and beliefs of the people who came to be called the Jews. It's most significant compilation was done in the 7th Century BCE at the direction of Josiah of Judea to help sell his Imperal ambitions to the people. Some 300 years after the death of Christ, Constantine gathered a bunch of scribes together to establish a form of Bible that would support his rather shaky claim to the throne of Rome.
2007-09-06 17:55:58 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 3⤋
The Word comes from our LORD, Jesus Christ, GOD. The Bible as we know it comes in two parts. The old testament and the new testament. The old is the law which GOD has given us and the promise of our REDEEMER to come. The new testament was penned by Jews and gentiles who put their faith in the LORD GOD Jesus Christ as the Redeemer. But ALL scripture comes from the LORD GOD Jesus Christ, no matter who held the writing instrument.
2007-09-06 18:02:56 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
The Middle East
2007-09-06 17:53:07 · answer #6 · answered by Jett 4 · 2⤊ 3⤋
the bible is a collection of ancient myths that were part of older religions that were over ridden by the birth of the christian church in Rome. Men compiled books of the bible, decided which ones were acceptable to their cause and discarded the others. Then they made it up and presented it as holy scripture and the word of god.
The greatest con on man ever.
2007-09-06 17:56:44 · answer #7 · answered by Atrum Animus AM 4 · 2⤊ 4⤋
We got the Bible from a vote cast in 393Ad at the Council of Hippo.
Prior to that time, Christians would just make up new Gospels that gave their personal perspectives, such as the Gospel of Judas.
2007-09-06 17:54:34 · answer #8 · answered by ? 5 · 3⤊ 4⤋
A collection of writings from witnesses and faithful followers of God's teachings, first through direct contact and second through Christ.
Early Christians without bibles were subjected to the tyrannical power of the Catholic church.
Teach, and when necessary, use words.
2007-09-06 17:53:47 · answer #9 · answered by samans442 4 · 1⤊ 6⤋
Well the Bible comes from a God who desires to know each and every one of us and wants us to know of His great love for us! If you mean how did it make it so far, check out the website bellow
2007-09-06 17:55:54 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 4⤋