BNEW Review

What is a canon?

The collection of writings recognized as authoritative Scripture.

What does TaNaK stand for?

Torah, Nevi’im, Ketuvim.

What is the Septuagint (LXX)?

The Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible.

What does Deuterocanonical/Apocryphal mean?

Books included in Catholic and Orthodox Bibles but not in Jewish or Protestant canons.

What is the Canon of Athanasius?

The first list (367 AD) that matches our 27 New Testament books.

What is the Masoretic Text (MT)?

The authoritative Hebrew text of the Old Testament.

What are the Dead Sea Scrolls?

Ancient manuscripts that include some of the oldest biblical texts.

What is textual criticism?

The study of manuscripts to determine the most accurate wording of the biblical text.

The NT and OT are written in what languages?

Old Testament → Hebrew and some Aramaic. New Testament → Greek.

What does it mean to read the Gospels vertically?

To read each Gospel on its own terms.

What does it mean to read the Gospels horizontally?

To compare across Gospels, noticing similarities and differences.

What was the purpose of ancient biography (according to Plutarch)?

To show the character and moral example of a person, not just facts.

The Gospels are portraits/memories of Jesus, but they are not what?

They are not Jesus himself.

What is the name of the dynasty that won political independence for the Jewish people during the so-called Hellenistic Period?

The Hasmonean dynasty.

What is meant by 'The Roman Empire as a Context for the New Testament'?

The NT was written in a world shaped by Pax Romana, Roman law, trade networks, and emperor worship.

What is a creed?

A formal statement of Christian belief.

What is the significance of the Nicene Creed?

It affirmed Jesus’ full divinity and equality with the Father.

The Trinity emphasizes what three things about God?

Equality, diversity, and unity.

Polytheism neglects what about God?

His unity.

Modalism neglects what about God?

His diversity.

Arianism neglects what about God?

His equality.

What is a pastor?

A shepherd of God’s people.

What image does William Willimon use to describe the role of a pastor?

A poet of the ordinary.

What is Lectio Divina?

A prayerful reading of Scripture (read, reflect, pray, rest).

What are the 6 dimensions of what it means to be human according to Heather Holleman?

Loved, Called, Created, Fallen, Redeemed, Gifted.