#83 How were the books of The Bible decided? A Catholic Critique of Protestant Claims - Joe Heschmeyer
Jun 27, 2024
auto_awesome
Joe Heschmeyer, a speaker on biblical texts, dives into the intriguing questions of who decided which books belong in the Bible and whether modern Christians have the right ones. He compares the Protestant canon of 66 books with the Catholic acceptance of 73, while addressing misconceptions about scripture's authority. The discussion highlights the historical context behind the canonization process and delves into how early Christians viewed scripture, challenging conventional beliefs. Historical significance, particularly the inclusion of texts like 1 Maccabees, also makes for a fascinating exploration.
The podcast highlights the differing views on biblical authority, stressing the Catholic belief that the Church recognizes inspired texts rather than granting them authority.
Joe Heschmeyer discusses the historical fluidity surrounding the Old Testament canon, challenging the Protestant assertion of a completed Tanakh by 450 BC.
Deep dives
The Compilation of the Bible
The discussion revolves around how the Bible was compiled, specifically the 66 books of the Protestant Bible versus the 73 books of the Catholic Bible. There are seven books that are included in the Catholic canon but omitted in Protestant versions, including Tobit and Judith. This raises questions about the historical decisions made regarding which texts were recognized as authoritative scripture, prompting a deeper inquiry into the origins and validity of the books in the Bible. Understanding this process challenges the assumption that Protestant versions contain the complete and accurate representation of God’s Word.
Authority of Scripture and the Role of the Church
A critical distinction is made regarding the authority of the scriptures; it is debated whether the Church grants authority or if the scriptures possess inherent authority. The Catholic Church asserts that the books are inspired by the Holy Spirit, and it is the Church's role to recognize which books are sacred. This misconception challenges the traditional Protestant view, suggesting that many misunderstand the Catholic perspective when discussing scripture's authority. The implication here is that reliance on the Church leads to a clearer understanding of which books belong in the Bible, rather than viewing it as a mere human decision.
The Role of the New Testament in Canon Formation
The New Testament books are notably less disputed compared to the Old Testament, as they were written with specific traits that helped establish their authenticity. However, the discussion highlights a flaw in the approach that begins with the New Testament and works backward to the Old Testament, as this presents an ahistorical narrative. Furthermore, this backward examination can lead to faulty conclusions regarding the origins of the biblical canon. The intertwined history of both Testaments indicates that the formation of the Bible was a simultaneous and complex process.
Debates Over the Old Testament Canon
The Old Testament discussion centers on the Tanakh, with claims that it was completed by 450 BC, but this notion is heavily contested. Scholars point out that various Jewish groups accepted different texts, and debates continued about many books long after the time of Christ. The significance of the Septuagint, a Greek translation of Jewish scriptures, is underscored, as it included additional texts that were subsequently excluded by Protestant reformers. By examining the historical records and early Christian practices, it becomes evident that the formation of the Old Testament canon was much more fluid than the Protestant view often acknowledges.
Who decided which books belong in the Bible? How many books did they decide? Do we today as Christians have the right ones? Joe Heschmeyer covers these questions and more in today's episode.…
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode