Expert: Edward Bode - 4/16/2011

Question
Dear Edward,

How does one know that the Christian bible is divinely inspired or endorsed? What is the basis of this belief?

Thank you,

Julian

Answer
In the New Testament, several passages assert that scripture was inspired by God, for example, 2 Tim 3:16, 2 Peter 1:20. Such passages form the basis of the Christian belief.
However, the bible does not tell us what writings/books belong in the bible.  For that information, one has to search the apostolic tradition of the early Church. The determination of an authoritative list of the inspired books [the canon of scripture] developed for a couple hundred years after the writing of the final book of the New Testament.  Doubts has arisen about some books; others were rejected.
That, Julian is a short summary of the situation.
If you would like to learn more, consult the Catechism of the Catholic Church, avaliable online at: www.usccb.org/catechism/text/index.htm     
The relevant paragraphs on the bible are 105-130,134-140; on apostolic tradition, paragrapshs 75-83.
If you would like more from me, Julian, please write again.
Best wishes for a Happy Easter.