Canon criticism

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The canon criticism deals with the study of the process of the compilation of texts to an authoritative collection of signatures (eg. As biblical canon ) and their function for the particular denomination.

methodology

Reflecting on the canon question is a hermeneutical prerequisite for scientific examination of sacred scriptures . The relationship to the text as canonical script is crystallized in two aspects:

  • Why was (and is) allowed to canonicality of the text?
  • What is the relationship between the recipient of the text and the claim to canonicality?

From a historical perspective, the question focuses on the circumstances under which heterogeneous texts were compiled into a binding collection with documentary character (Judaism: around 100 AD; Christianity: Synod / Council of Laodicea, 363–364 , Catholicism officially Council of Trent , 1545; Islam: binding version of the Koran by Caliph Uthman ibn Affan , 7th century).

Characteristic of scripts that are included in a canon are features such as

  • the acceptance of the text as valid formulations of fundamental God experiences by large parts of the religious community
  • the actual or supposed age of a font
  • their use in worship
  • or their actual or alleged drafting by a recognized author ( contemporary witness , prophet).

In the case of individual texts, the canonicality between different denominations and religious communities is controversial ( apocrypha , deuterocanonical writings). But there is a core body of scriptures in the Bible whose canonicality is undisputed.

Finally, the canon criticism includes the question of how the canon claims authority in the respective religious community. In Judaism, for example, the legal provisions of the Torah are accorded outstanding importance compared to other texts. Protestantism formulates its understanding of the Bible from Jesus Christ. In Catholicism, on the other hand, the teaching post (Pope) and tradition are equally important to the testimony of the Bible.

history

The theologian Johann Salomo Semler (1725–1791) is considered to be the founder of canon criticism with his four-volume treatise on free investigation of the Canon (1771–1775).

literature

  • Eve-Marie Becker : Canon criticism. In: Eve-Marie Becker, Stefan Scholz (eds.): Canon in construction and deconstruction. Processes of Canonization of Religious Texts from Antiquity to the Present - A Handbook. Walter de Gruyter, 2012, ISBN 978-3-11024556-1 , p. 14 ff.

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Gottfried Hornig: Johann Salomo Semler: Studies on the life and work of the Halle enlightenment theologian. Walter de Gruyter, 1996, ISBN 3-11-096662-X , p. 239