Adolf Harnack viewed the formation of the Christian canon as a mixed blessing. He was concerned about the exclusion of some early documents as well as the risks involved with Christianity becoming a religion of the book. This volume engages these concerns and others with scholarly creativity. Among other topics, Harnack examines reasons for the inclusion of four gospels in the New Testament rather than one. He concludes that the selection was a compromise between dominant churches, each invested in a particular gospel. This is classic Harnack and a true picture of the thought and mind of the last great 19th century theologian.
Adolf von Harnack (1851-1930) is recognized as one of the foremost church historians of his day. He was Professor of Church History successively in the universities of Leipzig, Giessen, Marburg, and Berlin. His great work, 'A History of Dogma', has had a significant influence on modern theological study. Other titles translated into English include 'A History of the Expansion of Christianity', 'The Apostles Creed', and 'The Acts of the Apostles'.