Quotes & Sayings


We, and creation itself, actualize the possibilities of the God who sustains the world, towards becoming in the world in a fuller, more deeper way. - R.E. Slater

There is urgency in coming to see the world as a web of interrelated processes of which we are integral parts, so that all of our choices and actions have [consequential effects upon] the world around us. - Process Metaphysician Alfred North Whitehead

Kurt Gödel's Incompleteness Theorem says (i) all closed systems are unprovable within themselves and, that (ii) all open systems are rightly understood as incomplete. - R.E. Slater

The most true thing about you is what God has said to you in Christ, "You are My Beloved." - Tripp Fuller

The God among us is the God who refuses to be God without us, so great is God's Love. - Tripp Fuller

According to some Christian outlooks we were made for another world. Perhaps, rather, we were made for this world to recreate, reclaim, redeem, and renew unto God's future aspiration by the power of His Spirit. - R.E. Slater

Our eschatological ethos is to love. To stand with those who are oppressed. To stand against those who are oppressing. It is that simple. Love is our only calling and Christian Hope. - R.E. Slater

Secularization theory has been massively falsified. We don't live in an age of secularity. We live in an age of explosive, pervasive religiosity... an age of religious pluralism. - Peter L. Berger

Exploring the edge of life and faith in a post-everything world. - Todd Littleton

I don't need another reason to believe, your love is all around for me to see. – Anon

Thou art our need; and in giving us more of thyself thou givest us all. - Khalil Gibran, Prayer XXIII

Be careful what you pretend to be. You become what you pretend to be. - Kurt Vonnegut

Religious beliefs, far from being primary, are often shaped and adjusted by our social goals. - Jim Forest

We become who we are by what we believe and can justify. - R.E. Slater

People, even more than things, need to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone. – Anon

Certainly, God's love has made fools of us all. - R.E. Slater

An apocalyptic Christian faith doesn't wait for Jesus to come, but for Jesus to become in our midst. - R.E. Slater

Christian belief in God begins with the cross and resurrection of Jesus, not with rational apologetics. - Eberhard Jüngel, Jürgen Moltmann

Our knowledge of God is through the 'I-Thou' encounter, not in finding God at the end of a syllogism or argument. There is a grave danger in any Christian treatment of God as an object. The God of Jesus Christ and Scripture is irreducibly subject and never made as an object, a force, a power, or a principle that can be manipulated. - Emil Brunner

“Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh” means "I will be that who I have yet to become." - God (Ex 3.14) or, conversely, “I AM who I AM Becoming.”

Our job is to love others without stopping to inquire whether or not they are worthy. - Thomas Merton

The church is God's world-changing social experiment of bringing unlikes and differents to the Eucharist/Communion table to share life with one another as a new kind of family. When this happens, we show to the world what love, justice, peace, reconciliation, and life together is designed by God to be. The church is God's show-and-tell for the world to see how God wants us to live as a blended, global, polypluralistic family united with one will, by one Lord, and baptized by one Spirit. – Anon

The cross that is planted at the heart of the history of the world cannot be uprooted. - Jacques Ellul

The Unity in whose loving presence the universe unfolds is inside each person as a call to welcome the stranger, protect animals and the earth, respect the dignity of each person, think new thoughts, and help bring about ecological civilizations. - John Cobb & Farhan A. Shah

If you board the wrong train it is of no use running along the corridors of the train in the other direction. - Dietrich Bonhoeffer

God's justice is restorative rather than punitive; His discipline is merciful rather than punishing; His power is made perfect in weakness; and His grace is sufficient for all. – Anon

Our little [biblical] systems have their day; they have their day and cease to be. They are but broken lights of Thee, and Thou, O God art more than they. - Alfred Lord Tennyson

We can’t control God; God is uncontrollable. God can’t control us; God’s love is uncontrolling! - Thomas Jay Oord

Life in perspective but always in process... as we are relational beings in process to one another, so life events are in process in relation to each event... as God is to Self, is to world, is to us... like Father, like sons and daughters, like events... life in process yet always in perspective. - R.E. Slater

To promote societal transition to sustainable ways of living and a global society founded on a shared ethical framework which includes respect and care for the community of life, ecological integrity, universal human rights, respect for diversity, economic justice, democracy, and a culture of peace. - The Earth Charter Mission Statement

Christian humanism is the belief that human freedom, individual conscience, and unencumbered rational inquiry are compatible with the practice of Christianity or even intrinsic in its doctrine. It represents a philosophical union of Christian faith and classical humanist principles. - Scott Postma

It is never wise to have a self-appointed religious institution determine a nation's moral code. The opportunities for moral compromise and failure are high; the moral codes and creeds assuredly racist, discriminatory, or subjectively and religiously defined; and the pronouncement of inhumanitarian political objectives quite predictable. - R.E. Slater

God's love must both center and define the Christian faith and all religious or human faiths seeking human and ecological balance in worlds of subtraction, harm, tragedy, and evil. - R.E. Slater

In Whitehead’s process ontology, we can think of the experiential ground of reality as an eternal pulse whereby what is objectively public in one moment becomes subjectively prehended in the next, and whereby the subject that emerges from its feelings then perishes into public expression as an object (or “superject”) aiming for novelty. There is a rhythm of Being between object and subject, not an ontological division. This rhythm powers the creative growth of the universe from one occasion of experience to the next. This is the Whiteheadian mantra: “The many become one and are increased by one.” - Matthew Segall

Without Love there is no Truth. And True Truth is always Loving. There is no dichotomy between these terms but only seamless integration. This is the premier centering focus of a Processual Theology of Love. - R.E. Slater

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Note: Generally I do not respond to commentary. I may read the comments but wish to reserve my time to write (or write from the comments I read). Instead, I'd like to see our community help one another and in the helping encourage and exhort each of us towards Christian love in Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior. - re slater

Thursday, January 16, 2025

The New Testament Canon, Manuscripts, & Textual Transmission, Part 1



Studies on the New Testament Canon,
Manuscripts, & Textual Transmission
Part 1

by R.E. Slater & ChatGPT


Important References to Read - Part 1:






Who Chose the Books of the New Testament?
by Bart D. Ehrman   |   Nov 8, 2022


Misquoting Jesus Podcast with Bart Ehrman
In this episode, Megan and Bart discuss the "origin of the canon," meaning: who chose the books that made it into the Bible, and why did they choose these 27?" They address related issues, such as:
  • Books, letters, and gospels that were considered authoritative by some early Christians, but were ultimately rejected on one basis or another;
  • Early New Testament manuscripts that actually DO contain some rejected texts;
  • Criteria that were used to determine which texts to include;
  • Proto-orthodox church fathers and their influence;
  • What information early church fathers did--and did not--have to base their decisions on.

* * * * * *



Observation 1


ChatGPT

Bruce M. Metzger - The Text of the New Testament: Its Transmission, Corruption, and Restoration (4th Edition)

This authoritative work by Bruce Metzger, revised and expanded with contributions from Bart D. Ehrman, remains a foundational text for studying the textual history of the New Testament. Here's a brief overview of its significance and key features:

Overview:

  • Author: Bruce M. Metzger (with Bart D. Ehrman)
  • Edition: 4th
  • Published by: Oxford University Press
  • Focus: The history, transmission, textual criticism, and restoration of the New Testament texts.

Key Themes and Content:

  1. Textual Transmission:

    • Explores how New Testament manuscripts were copied, preserved, and disseminated across centuries.
    • Details the challenges posed by scribal errors and the materials (e.g., papyrus, parchment) used for transmission.

  2. Corruption of Texts:

    • Discusses unintentional (e.g., slips of the pen) and intentional alterations (e.g., theological edits) in the manuscripts.
    • Highlights examples of significant textual variants and their implications for interpretation.

  3. Restoration through Textual Criticism:

    • Introduces methods of textual criticism, including external and internal evidence.
    • Provides insights into reconstructing the earliest attainable form of the text.

  4. Manuscript Evidence:

    • Reviews the most important manuscripts (e.g., Codex Sinaiticus, Codex Vaticanus).
    • Considers the role of ancient versions (e.g., Syriac, Latin) and patristic citations.

  5. Impact of Discoveries:

    • Reflects on significant manuscript discoveries, including the Dead Sea Scrolls and Oxyrhynchus papyri.
    • Analyzes their impact on understanding the New Testament text.

  6. Modern Editions of the Greek New Testament:

    • Explores critical editions such as Nestle-Aland and the United Bible Societies (UBS) texts.
    • Examines the methodologies and apparatuses behind these editions.

Why It’s Essential:

  • Scholarly Rigor: Metzger's expertise provides a meticulous, well-researched foundation for understanding New Testament textual criticism.
  • Accessibility: Balances scholarly depth with readability, making it suitable for both students and specialists.
  • Updates in the 4th Edition: Bart D. Ehrman’s contributions reflect advancements in the field since earlier editions.

This book is indispensable for anyone interested in the textual reliability and history of the New Testament, from seminarians to seasoned textual critics. Would you like to delve deeper into any specific section or theme?

Observation 2

List most recent + comprehensive studies of the same content...

ChatGPT

Building upon Bruce M. Metzger's foundational work, several recent and comprehensive studies have advanced the field of New Testament textual criticism. Notable among these are:

An Introduction to the New Testament Manuscripts and Their Texts
Authored by D.C. Parker and published by Cambridge University Press in 2008, this work offers a unique perspective by placing manuscripts and their varying texts at the forefront. It provides a comprehensive overview of the codex form, manuscript traditions in various languages, palaeography, and practical skills for studying these texts.

KU Leuven Theology and Religious Studies

The Text of the New Testament in Contemporary Research: Essays on the Status Quaestionis
Edited by Bart D. Ehrman and Michael W. Holmes, this second edition, published by Brill, compiles 24 essays by internationally acknowledged experts. It provides an up-to-date assessment of every major aspect of New Testament textual criticism, discussing advances made since the mid-20th century.

Brill

Studies in the Theory and Method of New Testament Textual Criticism
Co-authored by Eldon Jay Epp and Gordon D. Fee, this volume presents 17 studies offering a comprehensive assessment of past and current methods applied to the New Testament text. It includes critiques of current theories, methods of establishing textual relationships, and guidelines for using patristic evidence.

Logos Bible Study

Recent Developments in New Testament Textual Criticism
Authored by H.A.G. Houghton and published in 'Early Christianity' in 2011, this article provides an overview of recent advancements in the field, including the impact of digital tools and methodologies on textual criticism.

Birmingham Research

Editio Critica Maior (ECM)
An ongoing project by the Institute for New Testament Textual Research, the ECM aims to produce a comprehensive critical edition of the Greek New Testament. Utilizing the Coherence-Based Genealogical Method (CBGM), it documents the textual tradition of the New Testament across Greek manuscripts, translations, and ancient citations.

Wikipedia

These works collectively contribute to a deeper understanding of the transmission, variation, and restoration of New Testament texts, reflecting the dynamic nature of textual criticism in contemporary scholarship.

Observation 3

Second subject area. Bruce M. Metzger The Canon of the New Testament: Its Origin, Development, and Significance

ChatGPT

Bruce M. Metzger - The Canon of the New Testament: Its Origin, Development, and Significance

This seminal work by Bruce M. Metzger examines the historical process behind the formation of the New Testament canon, exploring the factors that influenced the inclusion and exclusion of certain books.

Overview:

  • Author: Bruce M. Metzger
  • Published by: Clarendon Press, 1987
  • Focus: The origin, development, and significance of the New Testament canon.

Key Themes and Content:

  1. Historical Context:

    • Examines the early Christian community's writings and how they were preserved, read, and shared.
    • Discusses the social, theological, and political factors that shaped the development of the canon.

  2. The Canonization Process:

    • Explores the criteria used to determine which books were considered authoritative (e.g., apostolic origin, orthodoxy, widespread usage).
    • Traces the stages of canon formation, from early collections to the final lists recognized by church councils.

  3. Excluded Texts:

    • Analyzes non-canonical works such as the Gospel of Thomas, Gospel of Peter, and other apocryphal writings.
    • Discusses why these texts were excluded and their impact on the Christian tradition.

  4. Key Historical Figures:

    • Explores the roles of individuals like Irenaeus, Athanasius, and Eusebius in shaping the canon.
    • Examines controversies surrounding specific books (e.g., Hebrews, Revelation, James).

  5. Theological Significance:

    • Reflects on the canon's role in defining orthodoxy and guiding Christian faith and practice.
    • Discusses the interplay between the canon and the doctrine of inspiration.

  6. Impact of Discoveries:

    • Highlights the significance of manuscript discoveries, such as the Nag Hammadi texts, in understanding early Christian diversity.

  7. Modern Perspectives:

    • Considers how modern textual criticism and historical research have influenced the understanding of the canon.

Why It’s Essential:

Metzger's work is a thorough and insightful exploration of how the New Testament canon came to be. It balances scholarly detail with accessibility, making it a foundational text for anyone studying the historical and theological development of the Christian scriptures.

Recent Studies on the Canon of the New Testament

To complement Metzger's work, consider these more recent and comprehensive studies:

  1. Michael J. Kruger - The Question of Canon: Challenging the Status Quo in the New Testament Debate

    • Explores the historical, theological, and sociological aspects of the canon debate.
    • Challenges traditional assumptions about how the New Testament canon developed.

  2. Lee Martin McDonald - The Biblical Canon: Its Origin, Transmission, and Authority

    • Provides a detailed history of both Old and New Testament canons.
    • Discusses canonical formation from a comparative perspective.

  3. John Barton - A History of the Bible: The Book and Its Faiths

    • Examines the Bible's history as a text, including the process of canonization.
    • Discusses how various faith traditions understand and interpret the canon.

  4. Craig D. Allert - A High View of Scripture? The Authority of the Bible and the Formation of the New Testament Canon

    • Investigates the authority of scripture in light of its historical formation.

  5. J. B. Lightfoot et al. - The Apostolic Fathers (Vol. 1 and 2)

    • Offers valuable insights into the early Christian writings that influenced the formation of the canon.

These works, alongside Metzger's foundational study, provide a comprehensive understanding of the New Testament canon's formation and significance. Would you like further details on any of these texts?

Observation Last

Thank you. Let's totle this discuss as "The Evolving Setting of the Bible."

ChatGPT

The discussion has been saved under the title "The Evolving Setting of the Bible." Let me know if there's anything else you'd like to add or explore further!

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