Did the Church Choose or Recognize Scripture?

When did Christians first recognize the biblical canon and how do we know we have the right books? Today, we have New Testament scholar Dr. Michael Kruger (The Question of Canon) to unpack what “canon” means, why recognition began far earlier than the 4th century, and how both intrinsic factors (covenant, apostles) and extrinsic factors (heretics like Marcion) shaped the process. We also address why Protestants, Catholics, and Orthodox differ, and what to make of texts like The Shepherd of Hermas and the Gospel of Thomas. 

READ: The Question of Canon: Challenging The Status Quo In The New Testament Debate by Michael J. Kruger (https://amzn.to/4nPtbE0)

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