Canon refers to which of the following in the context of sacred scripture?

• A. A translation into Latin
• B. The official list of books recognized by the Church as inspired by God and authoritative as sacred Scripture
• C. A set of teachings of Jesus without written records
• D. A collection of church laws

Answer: (D)

Canon in sacred Scripture refers to the official list of books that the Church recognizes as inspired by God and authoritative for faith and practice. This means these writings are considered divinely guided and binding for a Christian’s belief and living, shaping doctrine and worship. It’s not about a Latin translation (that would be the Latin Vulgate), nor about teachings of Jesus preserved only in oral form, nor a collection of church laws (that would be canon law). The formation of the canon rests on whether a writing is genuinely apostolic in origin or closely connected to the apostles, aligns with the Church’s settled faith, and was widely used in worship and teaching in the early Church.