The Canon of the Bible

A thorough historical and critical survey of the formation, contents, and variations of the biblical canon across traditions. It defines key terms, traces the assembling and ordering of Old and New Testament writings, examines variant lists such as Samaritan and Alexandrian collections, and discusses the reception and use of scripture by early Christian writers and ecclesiastical authorities. The book reviews debates over number, order, and authority of books, summarizes later denominational confessions, and weighs modern critical perspectives while arguing for measured, evidence-based conclusions about canonical boundaries and possible readjustments.