The Formation of the Biblical Canon - by Lee Martin McDonald (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Lee Martin McDonald provides a magisterial overview of the development of the biblical canon --- the emergence of the list of individual texts that constitutes the Christian bible. In these two volumes -- in sum more than double the length of his previous works -- McDonald presents his most in-depth overview to date. McDonald shows students and researchers how the list of texts that constitute 'the bible' was once far more fluid than it is today and guides readers through the minefield of different texts, different versions, and the different lists of texts considered 'canonical' that abounded in antiquity. Questions of the origin and transmission of texts are introduced as well as consideration of innovations in the presentation of texts, collections of documents, archaeological finds and Church councils.

In this first volume McDonald reexamines issues of canon formation once considered settled, and sets the range of texts that make up the Hebrew Bible (or Old Testament) in their broader context. Each indidvidual text is discussed, as are the cultural, political and historical situations surrounding them.

The second volume considers the New Testament, and the range of so-called 'apocryphal' gospels that were written in early centuries, and used by many Christian groups before the canon was closed.

Also included are comprehensive appendices which show various canon lists for both Old and New Testaments and for the bible as a whole.

Review Quotes

A work of immense scholarship yet made very readable across its mighty two volumes.
Reference Reviews

Lee McDonald continues to amaze us with his wisdom, wide experience and knowledge on the formation, nature, and content of the biblical canon. this enriched edition is an absolute must for all those interested in all the literatures and religions covered by this book.
Emanuel Tov, Dead Sea Scrolls Publication Project, Israel

Lee McDonald's work on the canon is the culmination of a lifetime's work. It is simply the most comprehensive and thorough treatment of the subject available. It should be a basic reference work.
John J. Collins, Yale University, USA

About the Author

Lee Martin McDonald was Professor of New Testament studies and president of Acadia Divinity College, Nova Scotia, Canada. His many publications on canon and canonicity include The Origin of the Bible (T&T Clark, 2011).