The Bible

Where did the bible come from? This was a question that I asked as I was being led to my spiritual home in the Holy Catholic Church. I mean really where did it come from?

Well blessedly we have pretty good documentation from different members of the Church throughout history. We can trace all the way back to the apostles letters being transcribed, and even what the canonization process was like; thanks to the documentation from the ecumenical councils.

I think most Christians can agree that sacred scripture (the bible) is the inspired word of God. Written by man, guided by the Holy Spirit. It is infallible, but we are not. This is likely how the reformers were able to wreak so much havoc in the canons of scripture.

Once I took an honest look at what was preserved as far as historical documentation, it became crystal clear. The Holy Church that Christ gave us, produced the collection of scriptures that we know as the bible.

Let’s look at a brief timeline:

officially in 382 – Council of Rome under Pope Damasus affirmed the 73 book canon.

This canon was reaffirmed in 393 – Council of Hippo

397- Council of Carthage

The discussion was officially closed in 1442 – Council of Florence

We have to be able to look at the historical documents of the Holy Catholic Church with the same level of belief we have for secular historical texts. Once I applied the same scrutiny and belief to the Churches history, it is more compelling than most historical accounts.

The bible is true, and so is the Church that it flowered from. Which is why it is so important that we read sacred scripture in the context that Church intended. Lest we end up with a new fracture.