To strengthen my own belief and as an aid in witnessing to skeptics, I'm looking for a book in Logos which is dedicated entirely to explaining how the original inspired manuscripts were accurately copied, then canonized, and eventually translated into English. I'm especially interested in learning more about the steps that were taken to ensure the text of the original manuscripts was accurately transmitted to the earliest copies and subsequent efforts taken to ensure the text within the earliest copies was transmitted accurately to later copies. Could anyone please recommend a book in logos which would meet this description?
I am aware of one book titled, "From God to Us: How We Got Our Bible" by Norman Geisler and William Nix, which based on its description, table of contents, and respected authors, appears to be exactly what I am needing; however, unfortunately I don't think it is available in Logos. (It's a Moody Publishers item) With that said, if someone strongly recommends this book as the best resource for my specific need, I may have to go ahead and purchase the hard copy.
Thank you
I would suggest something like The Rise and Fall of the Bible by Timothy Beal as a prelude to any books suggestions that meet your criteria..
Orthodox Bishop Hilarion Alfeyev: "To be a theologian means to have experience of a personal encounter with God through prayer and worship."
Thanks a lot MJ! I will check this one out.
Geisler and Nix used to have their A General Introduction to the Bible available for Logos, but I am not seeing it now. It has information on it that would match what you are looking for, but seems to be missing in action...
The Text of the New Testament: From Manuscript to Modern Edition by J. Harold Greenlee covers how the manuscripts were copied and how little variation there is between manuscripts.
The Making of the New Testament: Origin, Collection, Text & Canon by Arthur G. Patzia has the development of the canon as well as something about copying etc. ....
I have not read his books, but Daniel Wallace is an excellent scholar in that field and I've enjoyed his lectures.
This book of his looks fitting: https://www.logos.com/product/47205/revisiting-the-corruption-of-the-new-testament
Thanks Matthew
MJ. Smith wrote the following post at Today 4:17 PM:
These resources look very helpful MJ. Thanks!
I agree William. This one looks helpful.
This is found in Logos:
Nestle, Eberhard. Introduction to the Textual Criticism of the Greek New Testament. Edited by Allan Menzies. Translated by William Edie. London; New York; Edinburgh; Oxford: Williams and Norgate, 1901.
Thanks Anon
You might also consider F.F. Bruce's book "The Canon of Scripture".
https://www.logos.com/product/2979/the-canon-of-scripture
Thanks Dave. I'll consider this one as well.
The very best book for this purpose (in my opinion) is Paul Wegners The Journey from Text to Translation, but unfortunately it's not in Logos it's academically sound, superbly illustrated, well written, and easy to follow. It covers everything you're looking for and I'm sure you wouldn't be disappointed with it.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Journey-Texts-Translations-Development/dp/0801027993
Wegner has also written "A students guide to textual criticism" which is in Logos, but that's probably a little too technical for your needs and doesn't cover Englis translations.
Mark Barnes: The very best book for this purpose (in my opinion) is Paul Wegners The Journey from Text to Translation, but unfortunately it's not in Logos it's academically sound, superbly illustrated, well written, and easy to follow. It covers everything you're looking for and I'm sure you wouldn't be disappointed with it.
Thanks a lot Mark! I just finished reading all the reviews and table of contents for Wegner's book and it's impressive. It seems to utilize a lot more photos and illustrations than other similar resources which of course would help in visualizing what is being described. All the recommendations I've received in this thread have been good, but I agree this book might meet my needs the best.
Are you familiar with "How We Got the Bible" by Neil Lightfoot? It's available in Logos. https://www.logos.com/product/43264/how-we-got-the-bible The table of contents seems to cover nearly the same thing as Wegner's book, but in a more concise manner since it's nearly half the size. I'm wondering if it might be a good strategy to read Lightfoot's first as an overview and then read Wegner's for a deeper dive into the same topics.
I second "How We Got the Bible" by Lightfoot. I have read this several times. I didn't know it was available in Logos - somehow I missed it's release.
I'll second Mark's recommendation of Wegner.
MJ's recommendations are good too. Note Greenlee's is an excellent and concise basic introduction to this material. If I was teaching a "how we got the NT" class in the context of a local church with laypeople attending, I'd use Greenlee as the text. That's the level it is written to.
Rick BrannanData Wrangler, FaithlifeMy books in print
Ronald Quick: I second "How We Got the Bible" by Lightfoot. I have read this several times. I didn't know it was available in Logos - somehow I missed it's release.
Thanks Ronald. Your positive review helps. I received the tip to look for that resource from John Fallahee at LearnLogos.com who always gives great training and advice.
Mark Barnes: The very best book for this purpose (in my opinion) is Paul Wegners The Journey from Text to Translation, but unfortunately it's not in Logos it's academically sound, superbly illustrated, well written, and easy to follow. It covers everything you're looking for and I'm sure you wouldn't be disappointed with it. http://www.amazon.com/The-Journey-Texts-Translations-Development/dp/0801027993
This is a Baker Academic title. I wonder why it is not in Logos?
Mark, have you ever make the suggestion that FL publish this? If not, I think it is a good idea.
Pastor, North Park Baptist Church
Bridgeport, CT USA
Rick Brannan (Faithlife): I'll second Mark's recommendation of Wegner. MJ's recommendations are good too. Note Greenlee's is an excellent and concise basic introduction to this material. If I was teaching a "how we got the NT" class in the context of a local church with laypeople attending, I'd use Greenlee as the text. That's the level it is written to.
Thanks Rick. Wow! I didn't expect to get a reply from one of the Faithlife folks! I was already leaning heavily toward getting Wegner's book but your additional recommendation convinces me it's a must have hard copy purchase (since unfortunately it's not currently available in Logos).
I strongly considered MJ's great recommendations as well, but I thought I would first get Lightfoot's concise resource in Logos since it covers both OT and NT. I may still end up getting the Greenlee resource at a later date.
This is awesome. I've gone from having hardly any options to having so many I have to prioritize my purchases.