Who, exactly, got to say what was and what wasn’t included in the New Testament? The answer to this question—which, by the way, is not a sign of skepticism, but rather, an indication of maturity—is the basis of The Formation of the New Testament Canon. Author James O. Duke chronologically highlights critical moments and decisions relating to “authoritative teachings” by various Christian communities and their leading representatives. He shows how the selection and exclusion of texts were influenced by their diverse tradition and literature as well as by their definitions of Christian identity. Part of the Core Biblical Studies series, designed as a starting point for New Testament study.
