One Holy Book: A Primer on How the Bible Came To Be & Why It Matters

by Ched Spellman

How did the Bible come to Be, and Why does it matter? This book tells the story of how the Bible came to be and makes a case for why this history matters. Beginning with the basic questions believers are often asked about the origins of the Bible, Spellman introduces strategic steps you can take to understand and explain how the biblical writings were written and then gathered together into a treasured collection of authoritative Scriptures. Examining the story of canon formation is both challenging and rewarding. The gains from this historical and theological heavy-lifting will strengthen your own grasp of the Scriptures and give you confidence to discuss canon formation with others. The book includes a discussion guide for churches and small groups as well as a series of further resources for possible research directions. These features of the book are designed for it to function well as a supplementary textbook in an academic course in biblical or theological studies.

Genres: Theology

165 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2021

About the author

I am no prophet—and here's no great matter. I'm Ched. This is about as social as I get now. I'm a pathological 5-star giver.

Reviews

[Ched Spellman · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I read this, I thought, I couldn't have said it better myself.

[Matthew Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great summary of the important evidence for canon formation and the implications. Very readable resource that will be helpful as a recommendation for beginning Theology students and church members alike. Five stars

[Mitch Bedzyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

My new go-to resource for those wanting to learn what the Bible is, where it came from, why it matters, and whether or not we can trust it.

[Jonathan Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Questions such as “How did the Bible come to be the Bible?” and “Why were these books included while others were not?” (Among others) are important questions that every believer will bump into. This resource by Ched Spellman will be beneficial for a wide ranging Christian audience. However, church leaders, Spellman has written a work here that will prove eminently useful for small group study. Not only has he covered a heady topic in both a responsible and accessible way, he has also included a study guide that will foster good conversation. Further, the book has the feel of content that has been taught. The thought flow of topics is clear and attention is consistently given to the practical implications of these topics. I warmly commend this volume.

[Michael Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This resource is an incredibly practical and accessible resource on canon formation.

The author is intentionally clear and concise for the purpose of accessibility. Any believer could benefit and access this book.

The author makes a strong case for the fact that the Church did not determine or make the canon but simply recognized and affirmed what had been handed down. His examination of internal evidence demonstrating a "canon-consciousness" by the authors is powerful and persuasive. He argues that the Apostles had a well developed sense of canon and were aware that their writings as words from God regarding the Christ were authoritative. This internal examination was worth the whole book.

I believe this book is a strong, accessible, God-honoring resource for Christians. It will reinforce and strengthen your confidence in the Bible you have in front of you.

[Nathanael Jager · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good introduction to the topic. Spellman also equips readers with further resources to explore.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great entry into the conversation about how the Bible came to be. The Bible is a theological... historical, and literary book. That description was helpful. I was also very much helped by the section of research topics for future study. I would have liked to see a little bit more about the process of biblical book making or, in other words, how Spellmen would define what a biblical author does (writing texts, gathering texts, etc.). Honestly though, that's just me being very picky. He gives the reader enough to whet the appetite. I liked this one.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Puts Canonicity with the Cookies on the Bottom Shelf

Outstanding resource on canon formation and canon recognition at a lay level! One Holy Book would make a great text for a church institute course or even a small group study. Don’t let the subject matter scare you away. Many current cultural controversies and confusion revolve around the canon and its formation.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and accessible. It is a great overview of how the Bible came to be with excellent resources for further study, research, and small group study.

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had to read for class

[Lena Morrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great introduction to those seeking to learn about the making of the Bible.

[James Ascott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredible primer on the biblical canon, this will be my go-to recommendation for an introduction to the canon as it is grounded in truth, Spellman grasps something that is vitally important to understanding the canon and something that if I would have grasped a lot earlier on in my studies, my canonical studies would have caused far less anxiety and that is the fact that there are really two canons, the first one being that which God has inspired and the second one being that which we recognise as inspired. If you only study what past theologians have recognised as inspired by God, then you will be terribly confused because there is a lot of disagreement, especially around the edges of the canon but if you study the topic not looking to determine the canon but looking to recognise that which our Lord has already inspired then the process become a whole lot more faith building because God's word prevails and there are excellent reasons why all 66 books of the Bible are the rule of faith for the Christian.

[Jacob Coolidge · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had Ched as a professor in college. Then he was one of my favorite professors because of his humor, charisma, understandable teaching, and passion for the text. All of these traits shine through in his writing as well.

This book is really important to the pastor and to the layman, the Bible is One Holy Book, and until we learn to read it that way, we won’t get the full picture.

Read this book, take notes, then pass it along to a friend!

[Tim Van · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good introduction to how we got the Bible. There wasn't a lot of new stuff for myself, but a good overview with some good little nuggets.
Also has a section on resources for further study on a variety of related subjects.

I would say really good for anyone interested in how we got the Bible from a Christian viewpoint.