Questions and Answers
What is 'the canon' in reference to the Bible?
In reference to the Bible, a canon is a set of texts referred to as scripture that were set forth through divine inspiration and uphold authority in a community of faith.
What kinds of topics did scholars tend to focus on following the invention of the printing press and the Protestant Revolution?
Scholars analyzed readings in a systematic way, covering each book of the Hebrew Bible and examining language, content, authorship, and the time of composition.
How does Lincoln define 'myth'?
A discourse that consistently denies originality and obscures the identity of its producers and reproducers.
What is hegemony?
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Identify one distinction Lincoln makes between 'myth' and 'history.'
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What does it mean to say an argument is teleological?
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What do New Testament authors mean when they cite 'scripture'?
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Name at least one book of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament which is either longer or shorter in its Greek translation than in its Hebrew form.
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According to Breed, what is one of the 'illusions' produced by the designation of a group of texts as a canon?
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What language was the New Testament written in?
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When can we say that there was general agreement among Christians over what texts belong to the New Testament canon?
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What is a daimon?
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How did Greeks and Romans worship their gods?
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Study Notes
The Canon of the Bible
- A canon refers to a set of texts regarded as scripture, recognized through divine inspiration within a faith community.
- Different Christian denominations do not share the same canon.
Changes in Biblical Scholarship
- Post-invention of the printing press and Protestant Reformation led to systematic analysis of the Hebrew Bible in the 18th century.
- Scholars focused on language, content, authorship, sources, and historical context of each biblical book.
Definition of Myth
- Myths are discourses that obscure their origins and the identities of those telling them, often concealing the interests that shape the narratives.
Hegemony and Myth-Making
- Hegemony refers to the dominance of a group of leaders.
- Myths often support the dominance of powerful groups, making it difficult to challenge their authority.
Distinction between Myth and History
- Myths are seen as "sacred narratives" and hold more value than historical accounts, lacking a clear author and remaining mysterious in origin.
Teleological Argument
- A teleological argument presumes predetermined outcomes and gathers evidence to support such claims.
Concept of Scripture in the New Testament
- In the first century CE, New Testament authors often referred to "scripture" without a universally recognized canon, likely denoting specific texts rather than the entire Bible.
Differences in Hebrew Bible Translations
- Books like Daniel, Jeremiah, and Job differ in length between their Greek translations and Hebrew forms.
Canon Designation Illusions
- The designation of texts as a canon creates certain illusions about their authority, unity, and significance.
Language of the New Testament
- The New Testament was written in Koine Greek, a common form of Greek used widely at the time.
New Testament Canon Agreement
- General agreement on the New Testament canon among Christians emerged in the early fourth century.
Daimons and Related Terms
- A daimon is a supernatural force linking the human and divine realms.
- Daimones were viewed by Christians as evil spirits, while theos or deus indicated the one true God.
- Heros referred to humans with posthumous power, and genius signified an individual's divine alter ego or guardian spirit.
Greek and Roman Worship Practices
- Ancient Greeks and Romans practiced polytheism, worshipping various deities, each associated with different powers, evident through numerous inscriptions.
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Description
Explore the key concepts from Chapter 1 of the New Testament. This quiz covers essential terms such as 'the canon' and historical changes in biblical scholarship. Perfect for students looking to deepen their understanding of Christian texts.
