Texts that didn't make it into the bible

In one of the great Bible manuscripts, the 4th-century Codex Sinaiticus, there are two further texts after the book of Revelation: the epistle of Barnabas and the Shepherd of Hermas. No New Testament would include these today, and most people have never heard of them. Why did texts like these drop out of favour? Was this a conspiracy by the church hierarchy against free-thinkers?
In this session we will consider what we mean by ‘canon’, and look at the process by which the New Testament came together; then we will look at some extracts from texts that are no longer part of mainstream Christian reading, and consider why this might be. How was it that some texts ended ‘in’ and others ‘out’? 

Certificate in Christian Studies:
In-depth option in subject area 2, New Testament

Tutor: Dr Jane McLarty
Saturday 27 January 2024, 10am to 12.30pm, in Norwich Cathedral Library
Cost: £10


To book please contact the NCCL Administration Team, NCCL@cathedral.org.uk, 01603 218443. PLEASE NOTE Cheques should be made payable to NORWICH CATHEDRAL

Whilst we strive to accommodate everyone this is not always physically possible, so we reserve the right to turn away those who have not booked in advance. If we are able to accommodate those who have not booked in advance, we reserve the right to make an additional charge, over the basic course fee.

Greek NT S6