Canon Considerations - 17 February 2023
Canon Considerations - 17 February 2023
What it is, how we get it, and whether we want it.
Editorial
In the business world we sometimes talk about having a ‘single source of truth.’ This simply refers to the practice of aggregating all of the company’s data into a single location for reference. In religion that ‘single source of truth’ is often a holy book, as the Bible is for Christianity. However, not every religion has an equivalent, having either many sources, intangible sources, or none whatsoever. This week we explore the concept of canon and what it might mean for ministers of Universal Life.
ULC in Focus
Have you ever wanted to be an astrotheologian, or maybe a preceptor? Me neither, but those and a lot of other options are available as special titles from the Universal Life Church HQ. They don’t convey any special rank within the denomination, but can be meaningful to ministers. Get one and feel confident listing it on your business card or on your website, knowing that your church acknowledges and affirms you, whatever path you may be on. If you don’t see what you want on that list, send HQ an email and ask nicely. If Rev. Hensley approves it you can make your $5 donation and obtain the title you’ve always wanted.
News in Review
Oldest complete Hebrew Bible expected to break auction records
The ninth-century volume, referred to as the Codex Sassoon, is a critical link between the Dead Sea scrolls and the Bible of today. It is being offered by Sotheby’s with an estimate of $30m-$50m (£25m-£42m), making it the most valuable historical document or manuscript to appear at auction.
Why students at a Kentucky Christian school are praying and singing round the clock
The revival has disrupted life and brought national attention to Asbury, an evangelical Christian school in Wilmore, Kentucky, about a half-hour outside of Lexington. Videos of students singing, weeping and praying have been posted on social media, leading to both criticism and praise from onlookers. News of the revival has also drawn students and other visitors to the campus to take part in the ongoing prayer and worship.
Resources
Yale Bible Study, Formation of the Biblical Canon: Old Testament
Yale Bible Study, Formation of the Biblical Canon: New Testament
From the Blog
20 or 30 years ago, the word 'canon' wasn't really part of the everyday vernacular. Often I found it being confused with 'cannon,' the heavy artillery used in wars. Over the years the public has become accustomed to talking about what is 'canon' and what is not in relation to popular entertainment franchises, like Harry Potter or Star Trek. This term, 'canon,' is one that has historically been used most in the West when speaking of what counts as Scripture, and what does not.
Closing Thought
Those students in Kentucky, experiencing a Christian revival, could be said to have more than one ‘source of truth.’ To be sure, they would likely all affirm the authority of the Bible. In practice, they have their experience guiding and affirming them in their path. Whether that’s reliable or not we leave up to the reader. Whatever your canon or lifestance, let’s agree to do only that which is right, and always share forthrightly from who and where we are in the dance of life.