Other Notes Flashcards
What are the Christian Scriptures?
There is a multiplicity of Christian Scriptures
Refers to various texts considered authoritative within different Christian traditions.
What is the definition of ‘Canon’?
A rule or standard for measuring something
Derived from the Hebrew ‘Kaneh’ and Greek ‘kanōn’, meaning ‘reed’ used as a ruler.
What criteria are used to determine the Canon?
- Authorship
- Original Language
- Consistency
These criteria help identify authoritative texts within the Bible.
What is a Biblical Canon?
A normative list of authoritative material or books
It clarifies what has authority among a collection of texts.
Why did Marcion dismiss certain texts?
He wanted to disconnect Jesus from the God of the Old Testament
He created a canon based on his beliefs, which prompted a response from early Christians.
What were some practical concerns in canon formation?
- What writings should be read in worship/evangelism?
- What writings should be kept from Roman authorities?
These concerns shaped the selection of texts in early Christianity.
How did Eastern and Western Christians differ in their canon formation?
Eastern Christians had a more fluid type of canon, while Western Christians faced political concerns
This reflects the differing contexts in which these communities operated.
What is the significance of the Muratorian Canon?
It is perhaps the oldest known canon list (200 CE)
However, it does not correspond to the New Testament canon as we have it today.
What are the four tiers of canonicity according to Eusebius?
- Recognized
- Disputed
- Spurious
- Heretical
This classification helps understand the status of various texts in early Christianity.
What is the Canon of Athanasius?
The earliest known canon list that corresponds to the NT canon as we have it today (367 CE)
It took centuries for all 27 books to be affirmed.
What does the term ‘TaNaK’ refer to?
It refers to the Jewish canon consisting of Torah, Nevi’im, and Ketuvim
These are the foundational texts of the Hebrew Bible.
Fill in the blank: The Hebrew Bible is also known as the _______.
[Old Testament]
This term is used in a confessional context.
What does the term ‘Deuterocanonical’ refer to?
Books that are accepted in the Catholic/Orthodox canon but not in the Protestant canon
These books are often considered ‘hidden’ or ‘secret’.
What are the main themes in Genesis 1?
- Separating light and darkness
- Separating waters
- Separating dry land from water
- Filling the sky with heavenly bodies
- Filling the sky and sea with creatures
- Filling the dry land with animals and people
This describes the creation narrative in Genesis.
What is the significance of the character Jonah?
Jonah’s story raises questions about disobedience and God’s sovereignty
He embodies the struggle between human will and divine command.
What does the term ‘Covenant Code’ refer to?
A formalized relationship that God is making between people
It outlines community laws and expectations.
What is the importance of community cohesion in biblical law?
It emphasizes the binding of the group and the need for stability
Community cohesion is vital for the functioning of a faith community.
Fill in the blank: The final plague in Exodus is the death of the _______.
[firstborn children]
This event is central to the narrative of the Passover.
What does ‘WWJD’ stand for?
‘What Would Jesus Do?’
This phrase is often used to encourage moral decision-making.
What are the two main concerns regarding the Mosaic tradition?
- Community Cohesion
- Covenant Consequences
These concerns guide the application of biblical principles in new contexts.
