The Bible as the Written Word of God

Oral Tradition

God’s message was first shared by word of mouth. People told the stories of God’s love, miracles, and laws to one another.

Written Form

Later, inspired writers wrote down these stories so they could be preserved for future generations.

Canon Formation

The Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, officially recognized which books were inspired and included them in the Bible.

Pharisees

Larger collection

Sadducees

Accepted only the Five Books of Moses

Essenes

Accepted additional religious writings

Canon meaning

Early Christians adopted the word canon to mean the standard or rule of faith
The Canon of Scripture became the official list of books recognized as inspired by God.

After Christianity became legal

Church councils addressed the biblical canon.

Catholic Old Testament contains 7 additional books

Tobit

Judith

Wisdom

Sirach

Baruch 1

Maccabees

2 Maccabees

Nihil Obstat

Nothing stands in the way

Narratives

The Bible’s narratives tell stories of people and events as they encounter God

Law

he first five books of the Old Testament —Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy—form the Pentateuch

History

In the Old Testament, books like Genesis and Exodus recount Israel’s origins, their slavery in Egypt, and God’s law through Moses

Poetry

The Old Testament contains Hebrew _____

Wisdom Literature

The Old Testament books Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Job offer practical and reflective insights on life.

Prophecy

in the Bible, found in books like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, and the twelve minor prophets, reveals God’s messages through oracles, visions, and symbolic language

Gospels

The —Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John— present the Good News of Jesus Christ

Parables

are short, simple stories that Jesus often used to teach spiritual and moral truths

Letters/Teachings (Epistles)

The New Testament —such as Romans, 1 & 2 Timothy, and Titus—are letters written by apostles like Paul, Peter, and John to churches or individuals.