Introduction to the Bible: History, Canon, and Reliability

Have you ever wondered how the collection of ancient writings known as the Bible came to exist, how it was preserved over centuries, and whether the translations we read today are historically reliable? Understanding the journey of these texts requires looking past assumptions to examine the actual historical and manuscript evidence. This course provides a clear, objective introduction to the history, structure, and canonization of the Bible, equipping you to understand its development from ancient oral traditions to modern translations. You will learn to: Understand the structure, languages, and literary genres of the Old and New Testaments; Trace the historical process of canonization and how specific books were selected; Explore the basics of textual criticism and how scholars reconstruct ancient texts; Examine the impact of major manuscript discoveries, such as the Dead Sea Scrolls; Compare modern translation methodologies and how they shape the text we read today. The course begins with essential historical definitions and terminology before walking you through the timeline of composition, canonization, and modern scholarly analysis. This text-only course is designed for beginners, history enthusiasts, and curious readers looking for an objective, academic introduction with no prior theological training required. Start reading today to uncover the fascinating history behind these ancient documents.