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The Bible is a collection of writings by lots of different…

“The Bible is a collection of writings by lots of different people written over maybe a thousand years, from a number of centuries before Jesus to a century after Jesus. I often like to refer to it as "the Scriptures" to make that point about it being lots of writings that were originally separate…” quote by John Goldingay
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“The Bible is a collection of writings by lots of different people written over maybe a thousand years, from a number of centuries before Jesus to a century after Jesus. I often like to refer to it as "the Scriptures" to make that point about it being lots of writings that were originally separate. What these writings have in common is that "the Old Testament" is writings that grabbed the Jewish people; writings that convinced them that they were God's word to them. And "the New Testament" is writings that grabbed people who believed in Jesus in the same way.”

John Goldingay

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The Bible comprises many separate writings spanning centuries, unified as Scripture for Jewish and Christian faiths.

In simple terms: The Bible is many books written over long periods, forming a single sacred collection.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the diversity and historical depth of the texts.

Themes

religion history scripture canon faith

Mood

reflective inquisitive

Type

explanatory educational

When to use this quote

  • church teaching
  • academic study
  • personal devotion

Key Concepts

theology historical criticism canon formation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does understanding its composite nature affect belief?
  • What role does canonization play in faith?
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