What is in a canon anyway? The best definition for canon, as I am using it, is "an authoritative list of books accepted as Holy Scripture." There are many different "authorities" who dictate what canon is accurate and which ones are not.
In this look of the "History of the Word," I want to share with you how it is that world religions based on Abraham chose their Holy Books. What today is observed as the Holy Bible did not happen easily (from a historical-critical approach) but did happen nonetheless when the religions were unified.
This is one of the many reasons why the Jewish cannon (or Hebrew canon) is not exactly like the Christian cannon. They have minor differences in translations and are fiercely debated by scholars in the Jewish community, such as Dr. Michael Brown and several other prominent respected Orthodox Jewish Rabbi's (which are teachers/leaders). One topic that is bringing passionate, but respectful, arguments within both Jewish and Christian believers alike, are the believed words of King David in the 22nd chapter of "The Book of Psalms" which were written approximately 1,030 years prior to the birth of Jesus Christ.
These are the words of Psalm 22:16 in the modern Hebrew translation (modern Hebrew to Ancient Hebrew and Aramaic is like modern Spanish compared to Latin/Portuguese respectively):
"17 For dogs have encompassed me; a company of evil-doers have inclosed me; like a lion, they are at my hands and my feet." - Hebrew Translation.
This is the translation provided by a group of scholars who actually studied Aramaic, and looked into the multiple connotations of the ancient languages (also our translation is 16 because verse 1 in the Hebrew starts with the intro "for the leader of music" etc.):
"16 For dogs have surrounded me; a gang of evil-doers has encircled me. They gouged[1] my hands and my[2] feet." - Aramaic Translation.
Though this is a small representation of the many examples that exist. The main reason why it is important to understand this concept is because historical proof may not fit with the religious agenda of the group who follows this scripture. In the time when Psalms 22 was believed to have been written, the common tongue was indeed Syriac (otherwise known as Aramaic) because Hebrew was not invented until the Babylonian exile which was around 300 years later.
So when I ask what is in a canon, what I'm really asking is are you willing to accept what was actually written or are you like the proverbial stone tablets given to Moses at Mount Sinai? Is it possible that perhaps certain translations were not accurate, and if so, does it change your faith? This is why the canon chosen is so important for people of faith. As far as I'm concerned, all it does for me is give me better insight to what should be followed, not weakening or strengthening my faith!
Thanks for stopping by, God bless and have a great day! :)
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Spiritual Corner: Would you like to join me for a Revelation from the Holy Spirit related to the concept given above? If so you've come to the right place. Today we will examine just one verse:
"1 Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?" - Isaiah 53:1
The Word of God has many interpretations and many different belief systems, because of the many different interpretations. However the Word also teaches us that the very same question I posed above has so much more to do with faith than what you can "prove" or "disprove." This doesn't tell us that we cannot have logic and evidence to support our faith, but when God speaks who is willing to listen?
Suppose you (as a Christian, a Jew, or a Muslim) are told by your religious leaders that you should burn another religion's Holy Book, or persecute homo-sexual's, or murder people in the name of your god. That means that you haven't believed the message of God's peace, of God's love or of God's unfailing mercy. Has the arm of the Lord been revealed to these people? Did God not say "Vengeance is mine," and does not the Lord also say:
"4 Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.
5Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare." - Psalm 40: 4-5
This word from Isaiah 53 is complemented by Psalm 40: 4-5 because it is the same message that runs in common with all the Holy Books used in the majority of the canon's used today. It is all about trusting in God, not simply just liking the words and hearing them. It is not just about believing in God, but it is about actually believing God Himself. "You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that--and shudder." - James 2:19.
In all things remember that God's arm is not to short to save, and everyone who's trust and faith is in the One True God will have salvation in the small trials to the great tribulations. That is a promise that God makes to all the children who believe Him and accept (follow) His message.
God bless, and Amen! :)
The Word of God has many interpretations and many different belief systems, because of the many different interpretations. However the Word also teaches us that the very same question I posed above has so much more to do with faith than what you can "prove" or "disprove." This doesn't tell us that we cannot have logic and evidence to support our faith, but when God speaks who is willing to listen?
Suppose you (as a Christian, a Jew, or a Muslim) are told by your religious leaders that you should burn another religion's Holy Book, or persecute homo-sexual's, or murder people in the name of your god. That means that you haven't believed the message of God's peace, of God's love or of God's unfailing mercy. Has the arm of the Lord been revealed to these people? Did God not say "Vengeance is mine," and does not the Lord also say:
"4 Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.
5Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare." - Psalm 40: 4-5
This word from Isaiah 53 is complemented by Psalm 40: 4-5 because it is the same message that runs in common with all the Holy Books used in the majority of the canon's used today. It is all about trusting in God, not simply just liking the words and hearing them. It is not just about believing in God, but it is about actually believing God Himself. "You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that--and shudder." - James 2:19.
In all things remember that God's arm is not to short to save, and everyone who's trust and faith is in the One True God will have salvation in the small trials to the great tribulations. That is a promise that God makes to all the children who believe Him and accept (follow) His message.
God bless, and Amen! :)
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