Who has the right Canon? - Matthew J. Thomas & Gary Michuta
Nov 5, 2023
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New Testament scholar Matthew J. Thomas and Catholic Apologist Gary Michuta discuss the case for the Catholic canon of the Old Testament from a historical evidence standpoint. They explore arguments against the canonicity of the Deuterocanonical books, the inclusion of deuterocanonical books in the Old Testament, the uncertainty and complexity surrounding the canon debate, the influence of the Septuagint in the New Testament, the process of determining the canon of scripture, the inclusion and exclusion of books in the New Testament, and the authority of the early church.
The first-century debates and discussions among early Christians indicate uncertainty surrounding the boundaries of the Old Testament canon.
The usage of Deuterocanonical books in early Christian writings challenges the idea that they were only considered edifying literature and not canonical.
The discrepancies between canon lists and the inclusion of Deuterocanonical books may be attributed to uncertainties surrounding the canon and the influence of rabbinic Judaism.
Deep dives
Discussion on the uncertainty of the Old Testament canon
During the podcast episode, the speakers discuss the uncertainty surrounding the Old Testament canon. There were various Jewish groups in the first century with different views on which texts were considered authoritative. This resulted in debates and discussions among early Christians about the boundaries of the canon. Scholars point out that early Christian writings, such as the Apostolic Fathers, frequently cited books that are not commonly found in the Protestant canon. This discrepancy between canon lists and usage indicates that early Christians saw value in these deuterocanonical books and considered them as scriptural in nature. The discussions also touch on how the development of rabbinic Judaism influenced the formation of the canon and the factors that influenced the uncertainty surrounding certain books.
Different approaches to the canon debate
The speakers discuss the different approaches to the canon debate, highlighting the perspectives of Dr. Matthew J. Thomas and Gary Matuta. Dr. Thomas emphasizes the importance of historical evidence and inquiry to determine the canonical status of books. He argues that blanket statements and oversimplifications of the canon debate can lead to a lack of trust between Catholics and Protestants. Gary Matuta recommends caution when making broad generalizations about the canon, emphasizing the complexity and diversity within early Judaism. He emphasizes the need to understand the diverse Jewish groups of the time and their varying views on the canon. Both speakers recognize the need for charitable dialogue and avoiding sweeping statements that can hinder understanding.
Usage of Deuterocanonical Books in Early Christianity
The discussion highlights the extensive usage of Deuterocanonical books in early Christianity. The speakers provide examples from early Christian writings, such as the Apostolic Fathers, where these books are cited alongside proto-canonical texts without any qualification. They note that early Christians considered these books as authoritative scripture and used them for doctrinal disputes, preaching, and teaching. This usage challenges the notion that these books were only seen as edifying literature and were not considered canonical. The speakers stress the importance of examining the actual usage and treatment of these books in early Christian writings.
Possible explanations for discrepancies in canon lists
The speakers explore possible explanations for discrepancies between canon lists and the inclusion of Deuterocanonical books in early Christian writings. These discrepancies could be attributed to uncertainties surrounding the boundaries of the canon, especially in relation to the developments in rabbinic Judaism. It is suggested that the canon lists may reflect efforts to establish mutual authorities for dialogue with Jews or to provide a clear canon for evangelistic purposes. The speakers also discuss how the unfamiliarity with the Deuterocanonical books among some Protestants may contribute to the trust deficit between Catholics and Protestants. They emphasize the value of becoming familiar with these books and recognizing their usage and place within early Christian writings.
Evidence for the Canonical Status of Deuterocanonical Books
The podcast episode explores the evidence and arguments supporting the inclusion of Deuterocanonical books in the Old Testament. It mentions how these books were included in early German translations by Luther and the controversy surrounding their placement in the Bible. The episode highlights the importance of reintroducing these books to Protestantism and emphasizes the historical consensus and usage of these books in early Christianity.
Determining the Canon: New Testament Allusions and Early Church Consensus
The podcast also discusses the challenges in determining the right canon of scripture. It explores the criteria of New Testament allusions to Old Testament books and demonstrates how this alone is not sufficient to determine canonicity. The episode suggests that the consensus of the early Church and the testimony of apostolic fathers are crucial in establishing the canon. It delves into the importance of considering the religious epistemology and authority when determining the canon of scripture.
New Testament scholar Matthew J. Thomas and Catholic Apologist Gary Michuta discuss the case for the Catholic canon of the Old Testament from their respective approaches.
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