Creating the Canon

Despite the profound influence of the New Testament, a variety of questions related to its background and history remain common. Contemporary readers often find the subject of the canons origin and formation to be complicated and confusing, while scholars continue to struggle to find agreement about basic elements of the canons development. In this engaging study, Benjamin P. Laird explores several misunderstood, disputed, and overlooked topics in order to provide fresh insight and clarity about the canons creation and modern relevance. The volume addresses questions such as: Was there a single original autograph of each New Testament writing? Who exactly were the original readers of the New Testament writings? Did theological controversies play a decisive role in prompting the canons formation? How did such a diverse body of writings come together to form a single canonical collection? Is there a basis for the canons ongoing authority? Wide-ranging yet accessible, Creating the Canon offers an illuminating treatment of the composition, formation, and authority of the New Testament and serves as a valuable guide to those with limited prior study.