Podcast Summary: Standard of Truth Episode: S5E25 - Formation of the New Testament
Host: Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat
Release Date: June 12, 2025

Introduction

In episode S5E25 of the Standard of Truth podcast, Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat and Professor Richard Leduc delve into the intricate history surrounding the formation of the New Testament. Originally a premium episode titled Joseph Smith and the Restoration, the discussion explores how certain texts were deemed heretical or apocryphal, leading to the canonization of the New Testament as recognized today. The episode also features a lighthearted comparison to Ross Perot voters from 1992 to illustrate the suppression of heretical works.

Historical Context of the New Testament Formation

Dr. Dirkmaat opens the discussion by highlighting the tumultuous early centuries of Christianity, where defining orthodox beliefs was a central challenge:

“...even though we have these councils, remember as we left off, things were not entirely settled.”
[01:59]

Professor Leduc underscores the fluidity of the scriptural canon during this period, emphasizing that a definitive Bible as known today did not exist until much later.

Role of Heresies and Apocryphal Books

The presence of various heretical groups and their associated texts played a significant role in shaping the New Testament canon. Dr. Dirkmaat uses an analogy to explain how heretical books were eradicated:

“...like the people who voted for Ross Perot... but they are going to... what do we do with heretical books? We burn them.”
[03:25]

This comparison highlights the systematic destruction of non-canonical texts to solidify orthodox Christian doctrine.

Marcion's Influence on the Canon

A pivotal figure in the formation of the New Testament was Marcion, whom Dr. Dirkmaat labels a heretic:

“Marcion is an incredibly influential Christian teacher... he's going to posit an abandonment of monotheism.”
[03:54]

Professor Leduc adds that Marcion's rejection of the Old Testament and selective acceptance of Pauline epistles spurred early Christians to more clearly define the canon:

“Marcion sees how horrible this world is... he rejects the Old Testament and elevates Jesus above the Old Testament God.”
[28:05]

Marcion's actions essentially forced the early Church to address the inconsistencies and ambiguities within the existing scriptures, accelerating the canonization process.

Athanasius’ Festal Letter and Official Canonization

The canon's official recognition is attributed to Athanasius' Festal Letter in 367 AD, as explained by Dr. Dirkmaat:

“In 367, Athanasius sends out a festal letter listing all the books of our Bible today as being canonical.”
[39:29]

Professor Leduc humorously comments on Athanasius’ influence:

“That God may very well have created the Dodge Dart.”
[28:10]

This underscores the arbitrary nature of certain canonical decisions compared to clearly divinely inspired texts.

The Closed Canon Debate and Historical Implications

The hosts critically examine the notion that the Bible's canon was always closed and divinely guided:

Dr. Dirkmaat points out the extended period over which the canon was formed:

“The Bible almost spontaneously combusted... it took hundreds of years for even the first Christian, Athanasius, to list all the books.”
[47:26]

He questions the exclusivity of the canon, especially in light of additional scriptures like the Book of Mormon, suggesting historical exclusion of authentic texts:

“If the only way you could know the true word of God is by reading the Bible, how did you know the true word of God prior to the mid-4th century?”
[39:06]

The Problem of Evil and Theological Responses

A substantial portion of the episode addresses the theological dilemma of evil and suffering in a world created by an omnipotent, omnibenevolent God:

Dr. Dirkmaat challenges traditional Christian explanations, such as the Fall of Man, questioning their adequacy:

“...blaming Adam and Eve doesn't address why God didn't prevent natural disasters like tornadoes.”
[15:47]

Professor Leduc reinforces the critique by linking it to Marcion's arguments about the nature of God:

“Marcion takes very seriously how horrible this world is... he sees the world for what it is. It's terrible.”
[28:05]

The discussion highlights the inconsistency in attributing all creation and its inherent evils solely to divine will or human agency.

Modern Parallels and Criticisms

The hosts draw parallels between historical and modern practices of influence and control within religious institutions:

Dr. Dirkmaat humorously contrasts ancient influence through wealth with modern-day donor-driven decisions:

“T. Boone Pickens gave millions to Oklahoma State, and now the stadium is named after him... similarly, Marcion donates to Rome to gain influence.”
[29:13]

Professor Leduc chimes in with skepticism about accurate historical accounts, using the example of Ross Perot voters to illustrate how influential actions can obscure true historical sentiments:

“Our research staff... 30.4% of Maine voted for Ross Perot, which... you can't meet anyone who admits to it.”
[30:53]

This critique extends to the formation of the canon, suggesting that financial and political influences may have shaped which texts were preserved or destroyed.

Conclusion

In wrapping up the episode, Dr. Dirkmaat emphasizes the prolonged and contested process of canon formation, countering the belief in an immediate and divinely guided establishment of the Bible:

“Nearly the first 400 years of Christianity there was no Bible and there was no closed canon.”
[55:59]

Professor Leduc and Dr. Dirkmaat conclude by highlighting the irony and contradiction in the Christian assertion of a closed canon, given its historical development over centuries fraught with theological disputes and influenced by human factors.

Key Takeaways

• The New Testament canon was not established immediately but evolved over several centuries amidst theological debates and heretical movements.
• Marcion's rejection of the Old Testament and selective acceptance of Pauline epistles significantly influenced the early Church's efforts to define orthodoxy.
• Athanasius' Festal Letter of 367 AD marks a pivotal moment in canon recognition, yet the process of canonization was far from straightforward or universally accepted.
• Theological dilemmas, such as the problem of evil, were scrutinized intensely, revealing inconsistencies in traditional Christian explanations.
• Modern parallels highlight ongoing issues with influence and control within religious institutions, questioning the purity of canonical decisions.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Dr. Dirkmaat: “...even though we have these councils, remember as we left off, things were not entirely settled.”
  [01:59]

• Dr. Dirkmaat: “Marcion is an incredibly influential Christian teacher... he's going to posit an abandonment of monotheism.”
  [03:54]

• Dr. Dirkmaat: “The Bible almost spontaneously combusted... it took hundreds of years for even the first Christian, Athanasius, to list all the books.”
  [47:26]

• Professor Leduc: “Marcion takes very seriously how horrible this world is... he sees the world for what it is. It's terrible.”
  [28:05]

• Dr. Dirkmaat: “Nearly the first 400 years of Christianity there was no Bible and there was no closed canon.”
  [55:59]

This episode of the Standard of Truth podcast provides a critical examination of the historical formation of the New Testament, shedding light on the complex interplay between theology, heresy, and institutional influence that ultimately shaped the scriptures revered by millions today.