Hos 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge:

[Dr Denis O'Callaghan]

Purpose To challange my brothers to "study to show themselves approved..."

In your judgment, should the canon of the New Testament still be considered an open question? Or should it be possible to include other works in the New Testament? Athanasius the forth century bishop of Alexandria used the annual "Festal" letter to provide pastoral advice and counsel to his churches. In His famous thirty-ninth Festal letter of 367 CE he indicated the 27 books that we now have as the New Testament indicating that "in these alone the teaching of godliness is proclaimed. Let no one add to these; let nothing be taken away from them."

1. Why was He convinced that these book were the only ones? Should He or did he look at others?

Explain your reasoning.

2. Why was He convinced that these books were the only ones? Should He or did he look at others?

3. In your judgment, should the canon of the New Testament still be considered an open question? Or should it be possible to include other works in the New Testament?

Sample questions for the degree of Doctor of Early Christian History