What if someone was serious about adding their latest work to our Bibles? Would you let them?
I mean, they could do a nice job of it, print it off on some nice quality A4 and glue in into the back right after Revelation but before the concordance, making sure it didn’t mess with those pretty colour maps.
Would you treat it like it was worthy of being on the same level as Isaiah or Luke?
What if it was fairly theologically accurate – no major issues there – and read really well? Perhaps with a touch of suspense, like the latest John Grisham?
This is the question of whether the Canon is now closed. If it is, then sorry, we’re not adding anything more in. We have what we need.
The Church for the best part of the last 1800 years or so has been of this view – that the Old Testament scriptures and the writings of those who knew and followed Jesus during his time on earth comprise all that we need. There are no serious contenders for any further books to be added in.
But what if we found another one of Paul’s letters? What would you say then?
Perhaps this is a point worthy of further discussion at our online discussion group at http://groups.google.co.nz/group/school-at-edge-kingsland. Or you could come along to School tomorrow night.