Compendium Series: The Canon of Scripture.

COMPENDIUM SERIES

JESUS THE TEACHER: COMPENDIUM SERIES.

20. What is the Canon of Scripture? (CCC: 120,136)

Compendium states:

The Canon of Scripture is the complete list of the sacred writings which the Church has come to recognise through Apostolic Tradition.  The Canon consists of 46 books of the Old Testament and 27 of the New.

What does this mean for me?

1. I am able to know that there are 46 Old Testament books and 27 New Testament.  I need to be aware of this, as there are differences in the other Christian Churches.  However, the Church has recognised this through Apostolic Tradition.
2. Being aware of the names of the books of the Old  and New Testaments, I am able to find them easily and become more acquainted with those I do not know well.

  Questions to consider:

1. What study programme will I commit to, in order to get to know the Old and the New Testaments?

2. How will I explain both Canon of Scripture and Apostolic Tradition to other Christians if I am presented with books other than those recognised as the Canon of Scripture?

As Catholics we really do need to become more acquainted with both Old and New Testaments books. We need to appreciate what the Canon of Scripture is in its entirety, so that we are on a solid foundation when confronted with differences presented by other people.  Dialogue and discussion can occur if we know our own faith.

Perhaps during the next 73 days, you might like to be challenged to learn the order of the 46 books of the Old Testament and the 27 of the New by taking one per day.